More trouble for Buckeyes

OHIO STATE is in trouble with the NCAA again, this time because three Buckeyes players - including two who have already been sitting out for taking cash and free tattoos - accepted too much money for too little work in their summer jobs.

Last year's leading rusher, Daniel Herron, and the top returning receiver, DeVier Posey, along with offensive lineman Marcus Hall will not be permitted to play when the Buckeyes play at No. 14 Nebraska on Saturday.

Athletic director Gene Smith insisted at a news conference yesterday that there was no "systemic" problem at Ohio State, which has admitted to having several players involved in different NCAA violations over the past 10 months.

He blamed it all on the athletes, former coach Jim Tressel and a booster who yesterday was banned from further contact with the Buckeyes.

"These failures are individual failures: failures of individual athletes, and as you know unfortunately a previous coach, and a booster," Smith said when asked if the latest violations will lead to more serious institutional charges of lack of control and failure to monitor from the NCAA. "So it's not a systemic failure of compliance. I'm optimistic and I'm confident that we will not have those charges."

Herron and Posey had five-game suspensions extended. They were expected to be reinstated to play this week, but now Ohio State is hoping the NCAA might allow them back on the field for the seventh game.

Hall was suspended for the first time.

Two other players also were overpaid for the summer work, which included working at a car wash or picking up scrap metal. They are defensive lineman Melvin Fellows and starting linebacker Etienne Sabino.

No. 17 Florida will be without quarterback John Brantley at top-ranked LSU on Saturday.

Gators coach Will Muschamp said Brantley has a lower-leg injury that won't require surgery and will be sidelined at least a week.

Freshman Jeff Driskel is expected to start against the Tigers.

* Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel said his injured left shoulder feels better and he expects to play Saturday against Wake Forest.

* Boise State coach Chris Petersen said the NCAA has reinstated wide receiver Geraldo Boldewijn, one of three Broncos with Dutch ties who have missed games this season due to eligibility issues.

The No. 5 Broncos (4-0) travel to Fresno State for a game Friday.

* Miami linebacker Ramon Buchanan will miss the remainder of his senior season with a right knee injury.

* Iowa backup quarterback A.J. Derby has been suspended for two games after an incident outside an Iowa City bar.