Fine Tuning: 5 Things Braxton Miller Must Do to Adapt to the Spread

By Luke Pashke — BlockONation.com Featured Contributor

As soon as the hiring of Urban Meyer was announced, I'm sure Braxton Miller was jumping for absolute joy. The system Miller was asked to perform last year was atrocious and completely unfit for Miller's skill set.

One of the many positive things Meyer brings with him is his trademarked spread system that focuses on putting his best players in the best positions to succeed—especially his quarterbacks.

Now the sophomore field general will be placed in the perfect system for his talents and should adapt quickly and well. This being said, Miller still has some work to do in order to put major points on the board in 2012.

Make Quicker Decisions

Meyer's spread offense is built on quick-hitting passes that require almost muscle memory reaction from the quarterback. The field general must know where his receivers are, where they will be and where he must put the ball in a flash.

Despite an excellent freshman year, Miller struggled to make quick decisions and often preferred to extend plays rather than get the ball out quickly.

This won't fly in the spread system, and Miller must know that. The better Miller knows his reads and is able to put the ball where it needs to be, the better this type of offense will be.

Read the Defensive End

The zone read is a staple in Meyer's offense. It is one of the most commonly run plays in his system and possibly the most important one. In order to see success from this certain play, the quarterback must read the defensive end precisely and effectively. This play does not work if the quarterback makes a misread.

Miller is a fantastic runner don't get me wrong, but sometimes the best plays he'll make next year will be when he leaves the ball with his running back. If Miller can develop effective decision making in the zone read, it will open up holes all over the defense and keep them on their heels.

Make the Right Decision Out of the Option

As stated before, Miller is an excellent runner.

We know he can drive a defensive coordinator crazy with his legs, but he must also kill defenses with his mind. Throughout his first season, Miller hardly ever pitched the ball on speed options and this sometimes hurt the Buckeyes offense.

The speed option is another commonly run play in Meyer's system, and if this offense wants to see great success, Miller must improve his decision making in the option game. Strictly running and ignoring the pitch will make the play one dimensional and easily stoppable.

If Miller really wants to march down the field, he must trust his running back and pitch the ball when necessary.

Make Accurate, Short Passes

Although Miller did have an excellent freshman season at Ohio State, he has plenty of room to improve in the passing game. He showed potential in a mostly pathetic passing attack last season, but struggled greatly at times with his accuracy and placement.

In the spread offense, accuracy in the short passing game will be paramount.

Miller must be able to connect on the quick-hitting passing routes with precision in order to avoid turnovers and "third and longs," and move the ball on all downs. When throwing quick screens, Miller must be able to place the ball in the best position for his receiver to run after the catch.

Difficult throws to grab completely kill a screen before they even start.

Although these may be viewed as the "little things," they will be the difference in this offense being a great unit or a mediocre one.

Distribute the Ball to All of His Weapons

Braxton Miller is an excellent player and clearly the main attraction on this offense, but he cannot be the only attraction. The sophomore quarterback is an absolute competitor and gamer, and has already shown the ability to completely take over a game and this is easily his greatest attribute.

However, at times, it appeared as if Miller would rather do it on his own rather than put faith in his teammates.

I don't think this is a result of a lack of trust in his teammates as much as it is how competitive he is. But if he puts too much on his shoulders, this offense will fail.

Like a point guard, Miller must spread the ball all over the field and get his numerous weapons involved throughout the game.

This offense is very versatile and focuses primarily on attacking the defense from every angle and stretching them to the max, and if Miller facilitates the ball while also dominating with his legs, the end zone will become very familiar to this offense.

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Ohio State vs. Colorado -- Week 4 Game Preview, History Lesson, and Prediction

After the debacle in Miami last Saturday -- which included a 2 for 14 passing performance from starter Joe Bauserman -- it's finally Miller Time -- as in Braxton Miller.

Coach Luke Fickell confirmed Miller, the true freshman QB, will get his first career start against Colorado, but much to the dismay of most Buckeye fans, added that Bauserman will also see action.

If the Buckeyes can survive the next two games (CU, MSU), this team will still have a chance to be pretty good, and yes, still compete for the Leaders Division crown and the Big Ten Championship -- but it's time to pick a starting QB (not named Bauserman) and stick with him (Miller) for the remainder of the season.

There will be growing pains, so Buckeye fans will need to show some patience with Miller if and when he makes freshman mistakes, but just remember, this move will allow Miller to gain invaluable experience, which should pay huge dividends for OSU in 2012.


Brief Game Outlook

Ohio State is now 2-1, while Colorado is 1-2.

In 2008, freshman-phenom Terrelle Pryor replaced senior Todd Boeckman after an ugly road loss, and led the Buckeyes to a 10-2 regular season record and the Big Ten title.

We can only hope, with Miller replacing Bauserman, that it's deja-vu all over again.

Besides QB Miller, RBs Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall, and TE Jake Stoneburner are the players to keep an eyes on when the Buckeyes have the ball.

To date, Miller has seen limited action, but thus far has completed 10/16 passes for 152 yards with one touchdown and one interception and has also gained 62 yards on the ground -- Hyde and Hall have rushed for 223 and 87 yards respectively and Hyde has two scores -- and Stoneburner has eight catches for 93 yards and four touchdowns.

The Buckeye defense and the O-line are the team co-MVP's at this point and each unit should shine once again this week -- the defense in limiting Colorado's offensive output and scoring opportunities -- and the O-line in giving Miller time to pass and the running backs wide-lanes to run through.

Ultimately, the end-result will depend on how well Miller settles in and protects the ball once he gets past the anxiety and the butterflies he's sure to feel as he makes his first career start in front of 105,000 insane Buckeye fans.

Ohio State has better athletes across the board and is by far the superior team on paper on both sides of the ball.

That being said, there's no denying that this team is very young and while 2011 is not a complete rebuilding year, Colorado could keep it close and make a game of it -- well, for awhile anyway...


Ohio State—Colorado History Lesson

• Ohio State is 3-1 all-time vs. Colorado.

• Ohio State is 66-7 in Ohio Stadium since 2001.

• Ohio State is 42-8 vs. non-conference foes since 2001.

• Ohio State is 55-26-2 all-time vs. current Pac-12 member schools.

• Ohio State is 7-2 at home all-time vs. non-conference foes in the BCS era.

• Ohio State defense has held opponent to fewer than 10 points 30 times since 2006.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just five 100-yard rushers in their last 37 games.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in the past 24 games at Ohio Stadium.

• Ohio State has won 56 consecutive regular-season non-conference home games against teams not ranked in the AP Top 25.

• Colorado is 1-3 all-time vs. Ohio State (1971-Win, 1977-Loss, 1985-Loss, 1986-Loss).

• Colorado is 0-6 in road games vs. non-conference BCS opponents since 2005.

• Colorado is 1-5 in road games the week after facing CSU since 1997.

• Colorado is 14-36 against BCS conference teams since 2006.


Final Thoughts and Score Prediction

Miller has been compared to both Terrelle Pryor and Troy Smith for his ability to scramble when pressured, like Pryor, and deliver the ball accurately down field when under pressure, like Smith.

Miller is no-doubt a talented dual-threat quarterback that could potentially surpass the accomplishments of both Pryor and Smith, but if he wants to remain the starting QB for Ohio State, he must make protecting the football priority No. 1.

Priority No. 2 is getting the ball into the hands of his backs and receivers.

Priority No. 3 is to tuck the ball and run if the receivers are covered, or just do as Bauserman did all-too-often and aim for B-deck -- but please, please, please, whatever happens -- hang on to the football!


Ohio State 33
Colorado 10


"To be a champion, you have to believe in yourself when no one else will" - Sugar Ray Robinson

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Image copyright of Jim Davidson / TheOzone.net (Used with permission)

Ohio State Players Arrive for 2010 Fall Camp: The Journey and High Expectations Begin...

Today was arrival day for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team at the University Plaza Hotel.

Check-in was followed by a day of team meetings at the Woody Hayes athletic center.

In case you're interested, pictures of a large majority of the players showing up at the hotel can be seen over at www.TheOzone.net.

I'll keep everyone posted as I am working on hopefully getting a few post-camp interviews set up.

Check back for more updates and links to new pics from camp as they become available.

Only 27 more days...

GO BUCKS!


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Young Guns: Five Offensive Buckeyes Ready to Break Out in 2010

Tim Bielik—Featured Contributor / Storm the Field Founder


Ohio State football in 2010 with an experienced Terrelle Pryor under center could mean a more explosive offense than in years past.

While the ability for the offense to be explosive is there, obviously the question will be whether or not Jim Tressel will let the dogs loose. And the dogs that Ohio State has, whether experienced or not, can be very explosive.

We all know about DeVier Posey, Brandon Saine, and Dane Sanzenbacher among others, but what about the guys we don't know? The guys that haven't seen time yet. The roster is full of players ready to break out and make an impact on the future—and maybe even the current season.

Here are five players that are very likely to do so.


5. James Louis, Fr. WR

The recruiting saga with James Louis was very strange, with the youngster from Atlantic High School stunning most by committing to Ohio State after Florida did not accept a commit.

Nearly a year later, Louis comes to Ohio State one of two Under Armour All-American WRs along with Cardinal O'Hara's Corey Brown, both of whom bring a strong combination of speed and explosiveness.

The early comparison a lot of experts out there have given of Louis is to former Buckeye standout Santonio Holmes, who was also a Floridian coming out of high school.

Louis, who runs a 4.45 40-yard dash, gained 682 receiving yards on just 38 catches and had 10 TD receptions as a senior with Atlantic in Delray Beach, Florida. The young man possesses great speed and a playmaking ability that should make him a favorite in Columbus, especially if he can win the third WR spot, which is very wide open after Duron Carter transferred to Colleyville CC in Kansas.

If he has a great fall camp and contributes right away, Buckeyes fans should feel very relieved that he came to Ohio State instead of staying in-state.


4. Carlos Hyde, Fr. RB

Another Florida product, Hyde brings a big body into fall camp after spending a full winter and spring with the football team.

At 6'1'', 235 lbs, and around a 4.55 40-yard time, Hyde actually was a commit for the 2009 class, but could not attend the university because of academics.

He spent the fall at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, much like Eddie George did before he came to Ohio State—And strangely enough, the two players are very similar.

Hyde will be a running back at Ohio State instead of being a fullback as listed on many different recruiting websites. Reports out of winter workouts and spring practices read that Hyde performed pretty well, showcasing his speed and power, plus a strong work ethic, something that should give him strong support among the fans.

Because of the depth at the RB position right now, Hyde may see time mostly in 3rd-and-short or goal-line situations. But finishing drives could be a great start for this kid who already has overcome plenty to get to this fall camp.


3. Corey Brown, Fr. RB/WR

Ohio State may be one of the only schools if not the only one to have two players with the same name.

While there already is a Corey Brown who is a redshirt freshman DB, the coaching staff reeled in a strong prize in Springfield, PA product Corey Brown for the 2010 class. Brown committed in September 2009 but was actually given the offer to pick his position from Coach Tressel.

Brown is similar in build to Louis with a strong combination of speed and explosion, and has drawn comparisons to Percy Harvin.

Early word out of Columbus is that Brown has caught the eye of the coaching staff and that he may be a major candidate for the third WR spot along with Louis and others and may even get a shot at kick returner.

If he shines in fall camp, Brown may fit the mold of a player that is too talented to keep off of the field, but like everyone else in a school like OSU with so much depth, he will have to gain the trust of the coaches, especially when it comes to ball control.


2. Chris Fields, Fr. (RS) WR

Maybe an unheralded prospect after committing in 2009, Chris Fields apparently has caught the eye of many out there in Columbus.

Fields redshirted in 2009, but spent the year learning the game and played the role of Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli while on the scout team leading up to the 2010 Rose Bowl Game. His performances in the bowl practices and a stronger mental approach make Fields a very good candidate to see plenty of time on the field this season.

Fields came into Ohio State at 6'1'' and a 4.42 40 time, and enters 2010 as one of the leading candidates along with senior Taurian Washington for the third WR spot.

The advantage Fields has over Brown and Louis at this time is the year of practicing against college talent and adding strength to his frame.

Whether or not that equates to winning the job is a question to be decided at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center (WHAC) in a few weeks.

But don't be surprised if we see No. 80 making some big plays for the Buckeyes from the WR position in 2010.


1. Jaamal Berry, Fr. (RS) RB

For the past year, we have all heard about the young man from Miami who looked great in fall practices.

Unfortunately, injuries kept speedy back Jaamal Berry off the field for Ohio State in the fall, and during this year's spring game as well, to the disappointment of many fans. The word out of the WHAC is that the hype is justified, except that injuries have slowed him down early on in his Buckeye career.

He did redshirt in 2009 due to his injuries, but the year off did allow him to add some strength to his blazing 4.31 40 time.

Like Hyde, Berry may struggle to gain playing time because of the depth in the OSU backfield. As of right now, Berry is behind both Saine and Dan Herron as well as sophomore RB Jordan Hall, a high school teammate of Pryor.

But if Berry stays healthy, it might be a case, like Brown, of being too talented to keep off of the field. A strong fall camp and a clean bill of health could equal a chance for Berry to see the field, something that could scare opposing defenses in 2010.


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