Todd Boeckman, 23, will start at quarterback when No. 11 Ohio State plays host to Youngstown State on Saturday, taking over for Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, who led the Buckeyes to a 12-0 regular season. The junior has thrown only 10 passes in six mop-up appearances.
*Two other teams also named starting QBs. Redshirt freshman Adam Weber will start for Minnesota against Bowling Green after beating out junior Tony Mortenson, and Miami will turn to Kirby Freeman.
*Penn State tight end Andrew Quarless and defensive back Willie Harriott will miss three to four weeks after receiving underage drinking citations.
*Injury-prone QB Erik Ainge of No. 15 Tennessee jammed the pinky on his throwing hand taking snaps Monday, which could affect his status for Saturday’s game at No. 12 Cal.
*Texas coach Mack Brown received a two-year extension through the 2016 season, a raise (from $2.66 million to $2.91 million) and a pair of bonuses, including $2 million if he’s still at Texas on Jan. 1, 2010.
