2012 Ohio State Football Schedule: Breaking Down Key Buckeyes Matchups

With all of the bowl games officially over it's time to start looking ahead to next season's schedule. It's sure to be an exciting campaign for the Ohio State Buckeyes and their legion of supporters, with the arrival of head coach Urban Meyer to Columbus.

Here are three games to circle on the calendar for next fall.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Taylor Martinez will return to lead a potent offense that fell into a slump near season's end. The dual-threat quarterback will probably be the first major test for Ohio State's rebuilt defense since Kirk Cousins is heading to the NFL after a successful career at Michigan State.

The Buckeyes were able to roll up 34 points in a win over Nebraska in October and should be able to match that success, if not better it, as Braxton Miller continues to develop. There might be some growing pains early on, but this game is when Ohio State will really need to start barring down.

Game info: Oct. 6 at Ohio Stadium

Wisconsin Badgers

Russell Wilson is moving on, but Heisman candidate Montee Ball will be back to make life tough on Ohio State and the rest of the Big Ten. The Badgers will also be seeking revenge after a loss to the Buckeyes this season.

The key to this game for Ohio State will be finding a way to establish the running game. There are several talented players on the roster but none of them were able to break away from the pack. So it's likely to be a competition during spring practice to secure the job and provide some balance on offense.

Game info: Nov. 17 at Camp Randall Stadium

Michigan Wolverines

Of course this game had to be on the list. After a thrilling season finale that fell in the Wolverines' favor, next season's clash is sure to provide a similar amount of intrigue. That's especially true since both teams will head into the season with sky-high expectations.

Denard Robinson and Miller will be a terrific quarterback battle and whichever defense is able to slow down the other guy is likely to emerge victorious. This game could very well end up making or breaking Meyer's first season at the helm of Ohio State, which makes it all the more interesting.

Game info: Nov. 24 at Ohio Stadium