Long before the season started, a lot of people said they would hold off judgment on Ohio State until after the first five games.

That means a lot is riding on Saturday's Big Ten opener against Michigan State.

Suspensions, injuries, departures, a lack of depth and integrating in several freshmen have all added up to a mixed bag for the Buckeyes (3-1). To knock off a talented Spartans (3-1) team would mean they're headed in the right direction.

Interim coach Luke Fickell is pleased with where his team is so far, but also realizes that it has a lot of work to do.

A setback this week at Ohio Stadium could mean trouble for a fragile team heading into a tornado of a four-game set to open conference play.

Following the Michigan State game, Ohio State travels to Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers. Then Ohio State is on the road at Illinois and home to Wisconsin.

 (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

It's been an eventful start for Ohio State. Now the fun begins.

The Buckeyes (3-1) survived the non-conference portion of their schedule with only one slip, a 24-6 loss at Miami.

Along the way, they discovered they could get by without three suspended starters on offense, including their best receiver and top rusher, while also sorting out a muddled competition at quarterback.

Now Michigan State (3-1) comes to Ohio Stadium on Saturday in the Big Ten opener.This is the first of a series of tests for both teams.

After hosting the Spartans, the Buckeyes play at No. 8 Nebraska, at No. 24 Illinois, have a bye week and then entertain No. 7 Wisconsin.

After the visit to Columbus, the Spartans have a bye week, then host No. 19 Michigan and Wisconsin before hitting the road to play the Cornhuskers.

Kickoff for the Ohio State Michigan game will be at 3:30 Saturday afternoon at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

In the wake of Ohio State's ugly loss on Saturday night in Miami, this has been a week of reassurance and confidence-building __ particularly for the Buckeyes' freshmen.

The Buckeyes are now relying on their upperclassmen to offer guidance heading into the discouraged team's game on Saturday against Colorado (1-2).

In addition to cleaning up a lot of personnel issues and lingering problem areas in all facets, the Buckeyes also need to have their most experienced players show the way to youngsters forced by graduation and suspensions into playing pivotal roles.

After several years of being a national contender, Ohio State (2-1) is suddenly just another team coming off a disappointingloss.

Interim coach Luke Fickell has spent this week trying to reinforce to his team that they need to fight their way out of this low point.

Kickoff between Ohio State and Colorado will take place at 3:30 Saturday afternoon.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)