Ohio State Football: Where Buckeyes Rank Among Big Ten's Best for 2012

The Ohio State Buckeyes may not be able to win the Big Ten in 2012, but that doesn't mean they still can't be the best team in the conference next year. 

Of course, the real question is whether or not the Buckeyes are the best team in the Big Ten heading into the 2012 season. That is certainly up for debate. 

A lot can happen during the season, but before it ever begins, ranking the teams from top to bottom is a great way to trick the mind from realizing there aren't anymore games for quite some time. 

Just because a team enters the year being labeled the best doesn't necessarily mean it will finish on top. Still, going off last year and the incoming recruits, it's easy to see that some teams are far better than others. 

Barring any offseason troubles, the elites of the conference shouldn't have much trouble next year. 

With that said, here's how I rank the top three teams in the Big Ten for the 2012 season. 

1. Michigan Wolverines 

Denard Robinson and Fitzgerald Toussaint are the main reasons the Wolverines come out on top. In addition to them, Michigan's defense is also a part of why the Wolverines are bound to have great success in 2012. 

The Wolverines return seven starters on offense and defense, but replacing key linemen will be difficult. Still, because the top two playmakers are coming back, the Wolverines are in great shape for whatever comes their way next year. 

All the top teams in the Big Ten have a strong defense, and even though Michigan's may not be the best, the Wolverines can count on their offense to get the job done week in and week out. 

Brady Hoke has helped transformed this Michigan team, and in his second year as head coach Hoke will once again put smiles on the many faces of Wolverine nation by being strong contenders to win the Big Ten. 

2. Ohio State Buckeyes 

Despite struggling a lot on offense last year, the Buckeyes will be just fine in 2012 because of Urban Meyer. Ohio State may be losing top talent on offense, but with Meyer's system, the offense will be putting points on the board. 

Quarterback Braxton Miller is going to make big strides in 2012, helping lead the Buckeyes to big wins. Plus, Miller will be able to rest easy knowing his defense will have his back. 

Ohio State returns nine starters from a defense that ranked No. 24 in the country last year. With elite recruits set to join the defense in 2012, the Buckeyes are going to be shutting down everyone.

There could be a slow start from the offense in the early going, at which point the Buckeyes will turn to the defense to save them. They won't have to do that all season long because Meyer will make sure his offense is thriving as the season progresses.

3. Michigan State Spartans 

Even though the Spartans have to replace their quarterback and top receivers, their defense alone helps them make the cut for top three. 

Michigan State returns eight starters from a defense that ranked fifth in the nation. The offense does suffer a major blow, but opposing teams will once again find it difficult to move the ball on the Spartans. 

Mark Dantonio has to an excellent job of preparing inexperienced players to be at their best for all of 2012, which won't be easy. Much of the offseason will be focused on getting the offense ready. 

However, as long as the Spartans defense performs at a high level and leading rusher Le'Veon Bell improves as expected, Michigan State will be roaring in 2012.