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Everyone around Ohio State knew the first four games would be a bumpy ride.
Now comes the hard part.
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.
Michigan State (3-1) comes to Ohio Stadium on Saturday in the Big Ten opener.
''I think we're ready for conference play,'' Ohio State defensive lineman John Simon said in the wake of a 37-17 knockout of Colorado on Saturday. ''The Big Ten is always a grueling season for us. We've definitely got things we've got to shore up on film and then we'll start breaking down Michigan State. We'll be ready by Saturday.''
This is the first of a series of tests for the Buckeyes. 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.
''It's definitely going to be a challenge,'' tailback Jordan Hall said after rushing for 84 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown and returning a kickoff 90 yards to set up another score against the Buffaloes. ''We're going to use this game to see what we can learn from and get better.''
The road is uphill for Michigan State as well. 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.
''The next stretch of football games, the next eight, are going to be difficult football games,'' Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said after Saturday's 45-7 win over Central Michigan. ''That's the way it is in this conference. You expect that.''
In a year full of NCAA distractions, suspensions, sanctions and a coaching change, the Buckeyes have played the way one might expect: erratically. They routed Akron, barely pulled out a win at home against Toledo with a late score, looked dreadful in their only road game and then played somewhat better in rebounding against Colorado.
Joe Bauserman, a 25-year-old, fifth-year senior, started the first three games. He was careful to not turn the ball over, but also didn't make the chain gang work overly hard. True freshman Braxton Miller's numbers have not been awe-inspiring - he was just 5 of 13 for 83 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in his first collegiate start on Saturday - but the Buckeyes figure by starting in him they're investing in the future.
''We've just got to get better for Michigan State,'' Miller said.
There are good and bad points to focus on with the Buckeyes in Week Four. They moved the ball better than they have at any time since the opener, but also were handed the ball in Colorado territory on six of their 12 possessions, including drives starting at the Buffs' 5-, 11- and 22-yard lines.
The defense hasn't been awful but also hasn't made a lot of stops. It has surrendered at least 300 yards to three consecutive opponents for the first time since 2004.
''Compared to last week (against Miami) I think it had a lot to do with how we started the game,'' said lineman Adam Bellamy, who had a fumble recovery against Colorado that led to a field goal. ''Last week we kind of started a little slow. This week it was a different story. It's a lot easier when you start the game good to keep it rolling the rest of the game.''
Michigan State has 25 native Ohioans on its roster, which turns up the heat a little bit more for the game.
''They're going to come out firing, it's Ohio State,'' said MSU wide receiver B.J. Cunningham, from suburban Columbus. ''But I'm ready to be back at home. We have a lot of Ohio guys on the team too. We'll play it like any other game though, come out hard and be ready to play. I was redshirted last time we went there so I'm excited.''
Three Buckeyes are from Michigan. Backup tight end Reid Fragel, a native of suburban Detroit, was not only amped up to play the Spartans but just to get the ball rolling in the Big Ten.
''I'm ready for it (the Big Ten season) to begin,'' he said. ''A lot of my buddies go there, so I'm excited that they have to travel here to start the Big Ten.''
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Rusty Miller can be reached at http://twitter.com/rustymillerap
