Ohio State football (3-1) is just days away from opening Big Ten play against the Michigan State Spartans (3-1). First-year head coach Luke Fickell discussed freshman quarterback Braxton Miller’s Saturday performance against Colorado at a Tuesday press conference. Fickell might have also issued a veiled challenge to OSU students to ratchet up the noise level for the Buckeyes’ remaining games.

No more “or”

The latest OSU depth chart, released to the media on Tuesday, now shows only freshman Braxton Miller’s name in bold print. Every previous depth chart had both Miller and redshirt senior Joe Bauserman’s names in bold and read: “Joe Bauserman or Braxton Miller.”

Miller helped lead the Buckeyes to a 37-17 win against Colorado Saturday.

“(Miller) did a good job,” Fickell said. “The number one thing he did was hold onto the football… threw some good balls later in the game.”

Showing the students some love

For the second time since the conclusion of the Buckeyes’ 37-17 Saturday win against Colorado, first-year coach Luke Fickell spoke of the OSU student body.

“I think the one thing our guys enjoyed as much as I did is having students back on campus,” Fickell said. “Obviously, the way we played is a boost, but it’s nice to have that behind you. Really want to thank them. Hopefully they continue to do the same things and get better each and every week.”

Injury update

The status of senior defensive lineman Nathan Williams and sophomore defensive back Corey Brown for the Buckeyes’ next game remains uncertain.

“Maybe we’ll have a little better idea (of their status) maybe by Wednesday,” Fickell said.

Captaincy carousel

Junior running back Jordan Hall, defensive back and special teams player Nate Ebner and defensive back and linebacker Nate Oliver will act as captains for this week’s game against Michigan State.

Hall, along with defensive back Travis Howard and defensive back Corey Brown, was suspended for the first two games of the season for accepting $200 in a white envelope from a former university booster at a Cleveland area charity event. In his two games since returning from suspension, Hall has amassed 354 all-purpose yards while also scoring a touchdown.

Saturday’s game against the Spartans is set for a 3:30 p.m kickoff in Ohio Stadium. The game will be televised regionally by ABC.