Big Ten skeptics would have a difficult time blasting the conference based on the preseason AP Poll

The Big Ten conference has its share of detractors. Criticisms range from being too "top heavy", with teams like Ohio State and Michigan State dominating the landscape in recent seasons, to being looked down upon due to a supposed athleticism disadvantage when compared to the likes of the SEC, Pac-12 or even ACC in recent years.

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However, the preseason edition of the AP Poll says otherwise, as the Big Ten is well represented. The conference boasts four teams in total with three of those squads (Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State) falling within the top 12 of the rankings.

The Buckeyes receive the benefit of the doubt despite losing virtually an entire 22-man unit to the NFL Draft, while Michigan gets a bump from returning talent like Jourdan Lewis and Jabrill Peppers, and Michigan State receives the credence associated with nearly a decade of strong performance under Mark Dantonio. Iowa rounds out the proceedings and, other than Wisconsin being left out of the top 25, there isn't a lot to complain about for Big Ten fans.

Now, we move to the actual football games, but before that, here are the full rankings:

1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Oklahoma
4. Florida State
5. LSU
6. Ohio State
7. Michigan
8. Stanford
9. Tennessee
10. Notre Dame
11. Ole Miss
12. Michigan State
13. TCU
14. Washington
15. Houston
16. UCLA
17. Iowa
18. Georgia
19. Louisville
20. USC
21. Oklahoma State
22. North Carolina
23. Baylor
24. Oregon
25. Florida