Ohio State Football: 3 Biggest Tests on Buckeyes' 2012 Schedule

Urban Meyer's debut season in Columbus will be full of fanfare. As Meyer shakes the negative thoughts that surrounded the 2011 team, he will usher in a new era.

Meyer has already started a winning attitude with his aggressive and successful recruiting ventures. Soon it will be time to take the field. The non-conference schedule isn't very difficult, so if the Bucks can navigate the Big Ten schedule respectfully, they will be in great shape.

The sanctions prohibit the Buckeyes from participating in any postseason bowl game, so Meyer's first challenge is keeping his team motivated.

If he can foster an us-against-the-world attitude, he could lead this team to an uncrowned Big Ten title.

Right now the Bucks have to be considered the best team in the Leaders division with Braxton Miller and Jake Stoneburner returning. Sadly, they will have to settle for bragging rights if they can win their division.

Here is a look at three key dates for the Bucks this season:

September 29 at Michigan State 

It is always difficult to beat the Spartans in East Lansing, and this year will be no different. This will be the fifth game of the season for Ohio State, but their first on the road. It will be interesting to see how this young team responds to playing away from Columbus.

Judging by their first four games (Miami, OH, Central Florida, California and UAB) the Bucks could be 4-0 heading into this game.

If they are indeed undefeated, attention and pressure will be high.

October 27 at Penn State

Traveling to Happy Valley to battle the Nittany Lions under a new regime for both schools will be interesting. Penn State will return a strong defense again, and this may be the best defense the Bucks have faced up to this point in the season.

Miller may get his first opportunity to possibly have a Heisman moment.

I consider him a dark horse, and this could be a great time to show he's worthy of consideration.

November 24 vs. Michigan

It always comes down to the Wolverines. This could very well be the unofficial Big Ten title game as the Wolverines look like the class of the Legends division.

It will likely feature the two most dynamic players in the conference in Miller and Denard Robinson.

Attention and passion is always high when these two schools play, but because this will be the Buckeyes' national championship, it'll be especially huge.

The outcome of this game will likely dictate whether 2012 is viewed as a success or a failure for Buckeye nation.