Armorion Smith pressed his palms together over the bridge of his nose, closed his eyes and leaned against the kitchen sink. The 21-year-old Michigan State defensive back needed a moment in the four-bedroom,

The Michigan State defensive back has a lot on his plate, more than most college students and certainly more than most student-athletes.

The Buckeyes open their Big Ten slate on Saturday at Michigan State. Not only is it OSU’s first conference game, it also marks the Buckeyes’ debut away from Ohio Stadium this year. “Going on the road against a conference opponent is a big deal,” Day said. “Everything’s got to ramp up.”

M State will play without starting quarterback Blake Shapen, who sustained a season-ending shoulder injury on Saturday in a 45-28 loss to Florida. Tickets remain on sale. See prices and how to purchase below.

Oklahoma State's Alan Bowman (7) looks to throw a pass in the second half of the college football between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Utah Utes at Boone Pickens