With an experienced offensive line, a plethora of running backs and a third-year quarterback in Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State has high expectations going into the upcoming football season.

Although some pundits are penciling in the Buckeyes for a return to Arizona for the Tostitos National Championship, their schedule will be difficult.

Thursday, Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m. Marshall at Ohio State

The Buckeyes start off the season with the 10th night game ever at Ohio Stadium. Because this game is on Thursday, it will give OSU a few extra days to prepare for a showdown with Miami the following week.

Saturday, Sept. 11, 3:40 p.m. Miami (Fla.) at Ohio State
This will be the first time these teams have met since the infamous 2002 National Championship game. Miami is comparable to OSU with experience. Coach Randy Shannon’s up-and-coming program will lean on junior quarterback Jacory Harris to upset the Buckeyes.
Though this will be Pryor’s first stage to shine on after his MVP Rose Bowl performance, look for the Buckeyes to run on a young Hurricane defensive line.

Saturday, Oct. 16, 7:15 p.m. Ohio State at Wisconsin
Camp Randall Stadium should be the most hostile environment the Buckeyes will face all season. OSU beat Wisconsin in a similar environment two years ago when Pryor and Chris “Beanie” Wells led the team to a fourth quarter comeback, winning 20-17.
This Wisconsin team is much more experienced, though. With 18 returning starters, including senior quarterback Scott Tolzien and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year John Clay, look for the Badgers to have a balanced attack. It was this attack that led them to a 20-14 victory over Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl.

Saturday, Oct. 23, 12:00 p.m. Purdue at Ohio State
This is supposed to be the hangover week after a grueling game the week before. With Purdue coming to Columbus, OSU will be looking for redemption as the Boilermakers forced Pryor into five turnovers in a 26-18 loss last year in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue lost five of its last seven games last year by a touchdown or less.

Saturday, Nov. 13, TBA. Penn State at Ohio State
Usually, Penn State is one of the toughest matchups of the year. This year might be the exception.
Penn State lost three key defensive players, Jared Odrick, Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman, to the NFL. In addition, the Nittany Lions will be replacing quarterback Daryll Clark.

Saturday, Nov. 20, TBA. Ohio State at Iowa
After an Orange Bowl victory, the Hawkeyes have 14 returning starters. Iowa should be a lock in the top 10 projections at the beginning of the year.
Iowa’s defense is very much like OSU’s. Both teams will not be giving up a lot of points, and it should be a close game throughout.
The Nov. 20 showdown will feature a rematch of last year’s 27-24 overtime thriller. This game could be the decider on who goes to the Rose Bowl, or maybe, the National Championship.

Saturday, Nov. 27, TBA. Michigan at Ohio State
Don’t expect another 42-7 OSU victory, which is what happened the last time the Wolverines came to Columbus.
Rich Rodriguez needs a successful season or else he could be fired at the end of this year. The best way to win over the heart of Wolverine fans is to beat OSU in the Horseshoe.