Meyer: QB Braxton Miller is 'day-to-day'

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) is helped off the field after an injury against San Diego State during the first quarter Saturday in Columbus. At right head coach Urban Meyer checks on his condition.

COLUMBUS — Quarterback Braxton Miller is "day-to-day" with a sprained MCL and hopes to be cleared to play in Ohio State's game at California on Saturday, coach Urban Meyer said.

Miller went down on the opening drive of the Buckeyes' 42-7 win over San Diego State and did not return, though he jogged back to the sideline with a brace and likely could have re-entered if necessary.

"If he's healthy to play and play like Braxton plays ... he'll certainly go," Meyer said. "We are not saving him or holding back. This will be everything we've got to win this game." 

Meyer said Miller felt "much better" on Monday. 

"He was a little stiff," he said. "The first 48 hours after that injury is very tough."

Backup quarterback Kenny Guiton led the Buckeyes in Miller's absence.

Meyer also announced Monday that left tackle and St. John's Jesuit graduate Jack Mewhort is graded as one of OSU's five offensive champions against SDSU.

He said Mewhort "was the key guy that got us to the second level" on three "explosive plays" — including Guiton's 44-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.