Rece Davis reveals the top six teams in the first College Football Playoff rankings, with Alabama claiming the top spot followed by Clemson, Michigan, Texas A&M, Washington and Ohio State. (1:46)

When the College Football Playoff selection committee released its first-ever set of rankings in 2014, the Big Ten's highest-rated team was Michigan State at No. 8. Given that standing and the newness of the system, the league had reason to worry.

Flash forward to Year 3 of the playoff, and the first set of rankings in 2016 is a reason for the Big Ten to celebrate. There's still a long way to go, but the conference is clearly getting plenty of love from the selection committee.

Jabrill Peppers and Michigan are No. 3 in the first College Football Playoff rankings. Mike Carter/USA TODAY Sports

No, the Big Ten didn't claim one of the top two positions. But Michigan, at No. 3, is unbeaten and in control of its own destiny. Though the Wolverines weren't seen as having a very difficult nonconference schedule, their win over No. 15 Colorado is going to have legs as long as the Buffaloes continue to play well.

Ohio State, despite some recent struggles, checked in at No. 6. Being two spots behind a fellow one-loss team -- surprise No. 4 Texas A&M -- wasn't the best news for the Buckeyes. But Urban Meyer's team is ahead of Louisville and should stay there if both take care of business since the Cardinals don't play another ranked team. Ohio State still plays Michigan, and if it wins, it'll likely face a ranked team in the Big Ten title game. It would definitely make it in by winning out.

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Wisconsin, despite its two losses, is stalking the field at No. 8. If the Badgers could win out and win a rematch against either Michigan or Ohio State, they would have a shot. Same goes for Nebraska at No. 10, which will have its second showcase opportunity in a row this week at Ohio State.

The stunner of the night was Penn State at No. 12. This is a team that was 2-2 at one point, with a loss to Pitt and a blowout loss at Michigan. The Nittany Lions trailed at home to Minnesota late in the fourth quarter. But they rebounded to win that game in overtime and have played well since. The win over Ohio State two weeks ago clearly holds a lot of weight with the committee. Penn State could still win the Big Ten title with a little help, and finish 11-2. Would that be enough to get in? Well, the good news is, almost no one was even considering this possibility before Tuesday evening.

Five Big Ten teams in the top 12 isn't quite as wild as the SEC claiming three of the first four sports in the inaugural rankings of 2014. But the league's performance this year has paid dividends with the committee. And the league is sitting pretty as a result.