Ohio State Football: Braxton Miller's Fast Return Key for Buckeyes' Bowl Hopes

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller finally showed some of the potential that made him such a highly sought after recruit on Saturday night against Nebraska. However, his day was cut short when he suffered a sprained ankle. The good news is that he will be back this week against Illinois.

According to the report from ESPN.com, Miller will not only play on Saturday but will be the starting quarterback.

"A team spokesman told ESPN.com that Miller will play against the Illini.

"Miller will be listed as the Buckeyes starting quarterback ahead of Joe Bauserman on the team's depth chart, which will be released later Monday."

This news has to be music to head coach Luke Fickell's ears. He has not had an easy go of things in his first season leading the program. They have lost three of their last four games, and now have to go to Illinois this week before hosting Wisconsin on October 29.

The Buckeyes are in danger of not being bowl eligible for the first time since 1988. We knew that this was going to be a rebuilding season for this team after the Jim Tressel-Terrelle Pryor fiasco in the offseason, but few people thought things would be this bad.

Realistically, they could be 0-4 in the Big Ten heading into their game against Indiana on November 5. That could be an epic battle to determine who will finish in the conference cellar. Indiana is used to playing in those kind of games, Ohio State is not.

Miller's presence in the lineup this week and in the future at least gives hope to this team for the last seven weeks of the season.

Joe Bauserman, who was the starting quarterback at the beginning of the year, has been a disaster of epic proportions—including a 1-for-10 performance against Nebraska with a 0.9 efficiency rating.

Whether or not Miller can save the season for this team and get them into a bowl game remains to be seen. But the fact that he is in the lineup is a shot in the arm for this lifeless program.

Miller showed what he can do for the Buckeyes offense against Nebraska. He just has to maintain that high level of play as the Buckeyes enter the most difficult part of their schedule.