Three days of rest have proven him correct.

Anderson Russell isn't quite as far along as Laurinaitis, but Jim Tressel said yesterday he expects Russell to be back on the field Saturday. Russell will have a lighter week of practice after rolling his ankle against the Golden Flashes.

''I don't expect him to miss a beat on Saturday,'' Tressel said. ''He just kind of got rolled from behind and fortunately it was one of those games where you could rest it. But I would expect both of those guys to be full speed and ready to go.''

Tressel also expects starting defensive lineman Todd Denlinger to return this week. He has missed the last two games with a deep thigh bruise.

History lesson

Like the rest of the nation, Tressel is still brushing up on his knowledge of South Florida, the team ranked just below the Buckeyes in all major polls this week.

Tressel may not know much about the Bulls, but he's been impressed with what he's seen to this point.

''They're good. That's what I know about them,'' Tressel said. ''I have to learn a little bit, because I have a vote (in the coaches poll) and I haven't been the greatest voter in the past, admittedly.''

Tressel came under scrutiny last year when he said he voted Texas No. 1 on his coaches ballot and Ohio State second. In truth, that order was reversed.

Congratulations

Quarterback Todd Boeckman said he woke up Sunday morning to a number of voicemails and text messages congratulating him for being the quarterback on the No. 1 team in the nation.

''It's definitely an honor,'' he said. ''It's something I've always dreamt about, being at Ohio State and being the No. 1 team in the country.''

jlloyd@morningjournal.com

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