In the wake of Ohio State's ugly loss on Saturday night in Miami, this has been a week of reassurance and confidence-building __ particularly for the Buckeyes' freshmen.

The Buckeyes are now relying on their upperclassmen to offer guidance heading into the discouraged team's game on Saturday against Colorado (1-2).

In addition to cleaning up a lot of personnel issues and lingering problem areas in all facets, the Buckeyes also need to have their most experienced players show the way to youngsters forced by graduation and suspensions into playing pivotal roles.

After several years of being a national contender, Ohio State (2-1) is suddenly just another team coming off a disappointingloss.

Interim coach Luke Fickell has spent this week trying to reinforce to his team that they need to fight their way out of this low point.

Kickoff between Ohio State and Colorado will take place at 3:30 Saturday afternoon.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)