Ohio State @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2010 ) Miami 24, Ohio State 36

THE STORY: No. 16 Ohio State and Miami (Fla.) are two storied programs with troubled recent histories, and are set to square off in what is being dubbed the “Ineligi-Bowl.” Both schools are under first-year coaches and have lost a handful of players because of suspension for violations of NCAA rules. The Buckeyes won 36-24 last season despite allowing a punt return and a kickoff return for touchdowns. Ohio State is 3-1 all-time against Miami, including an upset victory in the 2002 National Championship game.

TV: ESPN. LINE: Miami -2.5

ABOUT OHIO STATE (2-0): The Buckeyes looked solid in a shutout victory over Akron to open the year but faltered in a 27-22 win against Toledo last week. Ohio State needed a stop on the Rockets’ final drive to preserve its 90-year unbeaten streak against in-state opponents. The Buckeyes rank fourth nationally in rush defense at 40.5 yards per game, but their quarterback play has been less than impressive. Joe Bauserman will start again, but coach Luke Fickell said he expects freshman playmaker Braxton Miller to also get some snaps.

ABOUT MIAMI (0-1): Hurricanes coach Al Golden originally said Stephen Morris and Jacory Harris would compete for the quarterback job against Ohio State, but scrapped that plan and named Harris the starter. Golden said Harris, who served a one-game suspension in the season opener, had earned the job, citing his “body of work” and “experience.” Harris, a senior, was unimpressive against Ohio State last year. He threw four interceptions, including three in the first half.

EXTRA POINTS

1. This is the fourth different venue - Sun Life Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins - in the five meetings between the two teams.

2. Fickell will attempt to become the ninth Buckeyes coach and the first since Earle Bruce in 1979 to win his first three games.

3. Ohio State wide receiver Jake Stoneburner has four touchdown receptions this season. He had two in 2010.

PREDICTION: Miami 31, Ohio State 27 - The Hurricanes are coming off a bye week and will be well prepared for the Buckeyes, who could be overwhelmed in their first road game without Jim Tressel on the sidelines.