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.)