The start of the Big Ten schedule is here, and the Ohio State Buckeyes have their first game where the betting spread is under 30. The 3-1 Michigan State Spartans are looking to give Ohio State an actual test. 

The talent discrepancy is obvious, but one of the keys to the Ohio State vs. Michigan State matchup can majorly impact the rest of the season. We looked at how the Buckeyes' pass rush was a concern in Week 4 against Marshall, but Michigan State offers the chance to correct that and several other issues. 

Here are three keys for Ohio State vs. Michigan State as the Buckeyes prepare to play in East Lansing.

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Ohio State vs. Michigan State Keys to the Game

Fix the Pass Rush

Marshall was able to crack the Ohio State defensive code a bit in Week 4, prioritizing quick passes and utilizing a scrambling quarterback who could escape through open lanes. This is the first time we've seen this defense face such a challenge, and they failed in the first half.

Michigan State doesn't quite have the same set of strengths. PFF has two of their five linemen with an average grade or better (guard Luke Newman and center Tanner Miller). Both of them are better pass blockers than run blockers, but the tackle situation is dire for the Spartans.

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Tackles Ashton Lepo and Brandon Baldwin have allowed 16 pressures between them, so this is perfect for Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau to tee off on. The rotation should benefit as well, and hopefully, Ryan Day won't need to step in on how Larry Johnson will manage it. 

While Ohio State is tied for 14th nationally with nine sacks, those have been more of a unit effort than one dominant player. That's okay, but it'd also be great for the Buckeyes to develop a trusted star who will step up in key moments over hoping for a random hot hand.

Force Turnovers

I'll be blunt about the lack of turnovers: forcing only four through three games is a disappointment, given the unit's talent. Now, I believe defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has played things in a vanilla fashion to allow his guys to play loosely and not overthink things. Knowles hasn't put the pedal to the metal just to force turnovers and risk giving up big plays.

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That's all okay. But playing against Aidan Chiles offers an opportunity to add to their total of two interceptions. Chiles has thrown a nation-leading seven interceptions, including at least two in three games. The only outing he avoided a turnover was against Prairie View A&M.

Some of that is because he's attacking downfield so often. His ADOT of 13 yards is insane, and almost five percent of attempts are coming in as big-time throws. However, almost eight percent of his throws are turnover-worthy.

The Buckeyes are going to get pressure on Chiles and will have the chance to undercut some passes. Failing to flip the field at least twice will be a huge disappointment.

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Continue Ground and Pound

Obviously, the Buckeyes have a tremendous ground game. It ratcheted up to a new level last week, when the left side of the offensive line took a massive leap forward, sealing off blocks with ease. For the first time since 2014, the Buckeyes' elite physicality was felt.

Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson maximized the opportunity, totaling 249 yards and four touchdowns on 20 carries. Replicating that will be more difficult this week, as Michigan State's team strength is slowing the run game.

Only two of the Spartans' top snap-getters grade as below-average run-stoppers. The secondary is especially competent at holding their own and keeping ball-carriers within their lanes. They limit explosive plays effectively.

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The opportunity for Ohio State is to go above and beyond expectations. Three key defenders have a missed tackle rate of least 21 percent, so Judkins should thrive if he's one-on-one with a second-level defender. But the big guys up front have a tougher task getting them there this week.