Ohio State freshman quarterback Braxton Miller expected to play Saturday against Miami

FILE - In this Aug. 21, 2011, file photo, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) talks to reporters during an NCAA college football photo day in Columbus, Ohio. In the darkest days of Ohio State's seemingly endless NCAA investigation into players selling memorabilia, Buckeyes fans longed for a breath of fresh air, for some hope. They've gotten it in the form of a freshman class that has been the scourge of preseason camp, in a good way. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam, File

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Braxton Miller is expected to play Saturday against Miami, OSU coach Luke Fickell said today. Miller was banged up last week and missed some practice time before the Buckeyes played Toledo, but that’s not what prevented him from playing.

Without disclosing the nature of the injury, Fickell said Miller returned to practice on Thursday. Joe Bauserman took every snap of the victory over the Rockets, but Fickell’s plan today includes Miller against the Hurricanes.

“We expect him to play. That’s a plan on Tuesday and those plans can change a little throughout the week. Hopefully we’ll have a better sense come Thursday.”

The Buckeyes will be facing a Miami team that just reinstated Jacory Harris from a suspension for his role in the recent extra benefits scandal that has rocked the program. Ohio State players know all about those. The university reinstated starters Jordan Hall and Travis Howard and backup Corey Brown late Tuesday afternoon.

Other notes from today’s press conference:

* Fickell isn’t sure yet whether injured defensive end Nathan Williams or Corey “Philly” Brown, who injured his ankle against Toledo, will be available. He indicated Brown wasn’t looking too good, but said he’ll know more about their status later in the week.

* Fickell said he isn’t concerned about kicker Drew Basil, who is 0 for 4 in his career. Both of his attempts last year were blocked and he’s missed his first two this year. “I’d be more concerned if I thought Drew wasn’t handling it the right way,” Fickell said. “We have to get his confidence back completely, but in camp Drew did a good job. He can do it. He’s done it every day in practice.”

* Tyler Moeller acknowledged the national perception of this game will be two stories programs’ fall from glory. But he wouldn’t bite when asked if the scandal at Miami makes what’s happening in Columbus seem trivial. “It’s two completely different situations and both things are wrong,” Moeller said. “Rules are rules no matter if one is worse than the other, you’re still breaking a rule.”