COLUMBUS – Ohio State could have a pair of suspended starters back in the lineup when the Buckeyes face Toledo here on Saturday. Head coach Luke Fickell said at his Tuesday news conference that running back Jordan Hall, cornerback Travis Howard, as well as backup safety Corey “Pittsburgh” Brown, will be available to play against the Rockets.

The trio had been suspended for last week’s season-opener against Akron for receiving improper benefits at a charity golf outing earlier this year.

“Those three guys will be available for us this week,” Fickell said, without elaborating. He also said that practice this week would determine if Howard and Hall start against Toledo.

Fickell said he was very pleased with the play of running backs Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith, as well as defensive back Dominic Clarke, who filled the void created by the suspensions.

“I thought they were poised,” Fickell said. “They made the plays when they came their way. Those guys all showed up. They didn’t dwell on the guys that weren’t there.”

First Published September 6, 2011, 4:40 p.m.