Bauserman likely to start at QB for Ohio State

Columbus, OH – Fifth-year senior Joe Bauserman is likely to opener against Akron.

Bauserman and freshman Braxton Miller are both listed first on the depth chart, but new head coach Luke Fickell said at his press conference Tuesday that Bauserman would probably start.

"If we were taking the first snap right now, Joe would probably take the first snap," Fickell said.

Bauserman saw limited action last season in his junior year as Terrelle Pryor's back-up. He completed 16-of-22 passes for two touchdowns and an interception.

Fickell said the team needs both quarterbacks, but added that leadership was a reason he would opt to go with Bauserman.

"He's done a really good job through camp. I've been impressed with the things we've asked him to do and what he's done," Fickell said. "Doesn't mean I've not been impressed with Braxton as well. That's why we've been impressed enough with him to list him in the 'or' category."

The 18th-ranked Buckeyes head into Saturday's opener after an offseason of tumult. Former head coach Jim Tressel resigned in May in the wake of a scandal involving his supposed knowledge of players selling items and memorabilia, and Pryor left the school a short while later.

Saturday's game, with Bauserman likely at the helm, will get Ohio State back to football. A notable early season game comes on September 17, when the Buckeyes travel to Miami-Florida. Their first conference game is October 1 against Michigan State.