Ohio State Football: Ranking the 2012 Schedule from Easiest to Toughest

The Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off one of the more disappointing seasons in recent memory. The good news is that head coach Urban Meyer has arrived to save the day, and he brings 16 starters from a year ago with him to try and turn things around in 2012.

While the future is bright for this team and the Buckeyes have the pieces in place to succeed, the schedule isn't exactly a cakewalk. Going on the road to Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan State is not an easy task, and that doesn't include some of the tough home games this team will encounter as well.

With the 2012 college football season rapidly approaching, here is the Ohio State Buckeyes' schedule from easiest opponents to the most difficult.

12. Vs. UAB

Last year's record: 3-9

Returning starters: 10

There isn't much to say about UAB other than the fact that that the Blazers have not reached a bowl game since 2004. This team was also ranked in the 100s last season in both scoring offense and scoring defense. This is by far the easiest victory for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2012.

11. At Indiana

Last year's record: 1-11

Returning starters: 17

Much like the matchup against UAB, Indiana isn't much of a test for the Buckeyes. The Hoosiers are by far one of the worst teams in all of college football and have lost 17 straight against Ohio State. You can expect that streak to be extended to 18 this season.

10. Vs. Miami (OH)

Last year's record: 4-8

Returning starters: 16

Miami of Ohio had a scoring defense that ranked 39th in the country last season. But the offense was atrocious and has shown no real signs of turning things around on that side of the ball. Not to mention, this game is at home, and Urban Meyer has never lost the season opener in his head coaching career.  

9. Vs. Illinois

Last year's record: 7-6

Returning starters: 13

There have not been many teams that are as inconsistent as Illinois has been over the years. You never know what team is going to show up with this squad, and having a new head coach in place doesn't necessarily make you believe the Fighting IIIini have a chance in this game. The Buckeyes have won seven of the last eight meetings against Illinois.

8. Vs. Cal

Last year's record: 7-6

Returning starters: 11

California is actually a team that can surprise some in the Pac-12 this season. The Golden Bears have an experienced quarterback in Zach Maynard, a 1,000-yard rusher in Isi Sofele and a defense that did a decent job in holding some of those Pac-12 high-scoring offenses in check.

I do like what this program is doing, but having to travel across the country can't be good for the visiting team.

7. Vs. Purdue

Last year's record: 7-6

Returning starters: 15

Purdue is a team that returns the majority of its team from a year ago and could make some noise in the Big Ten if they decide to play with some consistency. The Boilermakers won a heartbreaker in overtime last year against the Buckeyes; it will take a much better effort on both sides of the ball to win this time around.

6. Vs. UCF

Last year's record: 5-7

Returning starters: 15

The Knights are not a team to sneeze at, as they return eight starters from a defense that ranked ninth in the country in scoring defense. This isn't a team that really excites you when watching them play, but UCF plays very tough. The Knights nearly upset Southern Miss last season and upset Georgia in 2010 in the Liberty Bowl.

This game will be a dog fight till the very end.

5. Vs. Nebraska

Last year's record: 9-4

Returning starters: 14

The Buckeyes defense could not slowdown the Cornhuskers offense in last year's meeting, allowing 423 total yards in the 34-27 loss. This time, the matchup will take place in Columbus, but that defense must do a better job of containing Tyler Martinez and running back Rex Burkhead.

4. At Penn State

Last year's record: 9-4

Returning starters: 10

Penn State has several questions on both sides of the ball and a first-year head coach in Bill O'Brien. But the Nittany Lions should remain strong defensively, they have a terrific running back in Silas Redd and they have the home-field advantage in Happy Valley. The Buckeyes may have more overall talent, but don't expect Penn State to go down quietly.

3. At Wisconsin

Last year's record: 11-3

Returning starters: 10

Wisconsin is another team that has issues it must address. Only four starters return on offense, but running back Montee Ball is enough to make up for much of that lost production. The defense is a strong unit, and playing in Camp Randall Stadium will really test this Buckeye team. Ohio State has also won four of the last five games against the Badgers.

2. Vs. Michigan

Last year's record: 11-2

Returning starters: 14

By the time these two teams meet at the end of the season, the Buckeyes should be firing on all cylinders. Still, Michigan is a team that returns seven starters on both sides of the ball and that dropped 40 points on the Buckeyes defense last year.

This is always one of the tougher games on the schedule for both teams, and this year's contest should be no different.

1. At Michigan State

Last year's record: 11-3

Returning starters: 12

Michigan State lost the majority of its offense, but it does return eight starters from a defense that ranked sixth in the country. The Spartans also led the Big Ten last season with 45 sacks.

There will be a hostile crowd in East Lansing, and if the Buckeyes can't find ways to score, it could be a long day for Urban Meyers' club. This will be the first true test of the season for Ohio State, and it could determine how the rest of the year plays out for the Buckeyes.