Hill returns from suspension, bolsters D-line

An already talent-laden Ohio State defensive line will get an added reinforcement for this week’s game against Nebraska.

Fifth-year senior nose guard Michael Hill, suspended for the season’s first six games for unspecified reasons, will return against the Cornhuskers.

“It’s a good shot in the arm at midseason to get a guy back who’s experienced,” defensive coordinator Greg Schiano said after practice on Tuesday night.

Hill has played in 34 games. He started all 13 of Ohio State’s games last year and earned honorable mention all-Big Ten honors.

Schiano said that defensive line coach Larry Johnson will decide how much playing time Hill will get on Saturday.

Hill’s suspension was announced by coach Urban Meyer before the season. Meyer originally said that the suspension would last a “few” games.

“Mike has taken a great attitude about it,” Schiano said. “Now it’s done, so we have to go.”

Tracy Sprinkle and Robert Landers have played well at the nose this season.

The Buckeyes also expect to get Dre’Mont Jones back at defensive tackle this week. He missed the last two games after ripping open his leg in a freak locker-room mishap.

“So far, so good,” Schiano said. “I don’t know what that means by the end of the week, but what we asked him to do today, he looked good. We’ll keep going step by step.”

Ward vindicated

A controversial targeting call that resulted in cornerback Denzel Ward’s ejection last week was indeed unjustified.

Meyer said in the Big Ten coaches conference call that the league told him that the replay official who made the call “was in error.” Meyer said he could understand how officials on the field might get a targeting call wrong because they must make a snap judgment. He was befuddled that a replay official would get it wrong.

Ward leveled Maryland receiver Taivon Jacobs, jarring the ball free for an apparent fumble. Ward picked up the ball and could have coasted into the end zone. Instead, he was ejected and Maryland kept the ball.

“I don’t understand how that happens,” Meyer said of the replay official’s mistake. “But that’s for the higherups to figure out.”

Right guard update

When right guard Branden Bowen suffered a broken left leg in the first quarter last week, Matt Burrell replaced him the rest of the way.

But Meyer said that Burrell must fend off Malcolm Pridgeon and Demetrius Knox this week in practice to keep the job.

“It’s wide-open,” Meyer said.