Ohio State Defeats Colorado, Braxton Miller Wins First Start

Braxton Miller's era as starting quarterback began much as Terrelle Pryor's did three seasons ago. Messy, awkward, and victorious. Ohio State defeated Colorado Saturday, jumping out to a 17-0 lead before the Buffaloes scraped into the endzone on their final drive of the first half. Colorado could only add a field goal in the third quarter, falling behind 34-10 as the fourth quarter opened. A late Ohio State field goal and Colorado touchdown left the final tally at 37-17, giving beleaguered first-year head coach Luke Fickell his first victory following a loss.

After a hiatus against Miami last weekend, the Silver Bullet defense returned with venom. Colorado's new pro-style offense struggled throughout the day, only running 55 plays for 314 yards, 5.7 yards per play. The Buffs' gained 100 yards, 34% of their offensive production, in the 4th quarter when the game was far out of reach and Ohio State had removed multiple starters from the game.

Senior quarterback Tyler Hansen, coming off the most successful stretch in his career, failed to continue his record-setting pace, passing for 238 yards on a 56% completion percentage.

Buckeye defensive coordinator Jim Heacock devised an excellent gameplan which removed Colorado's best player, receiver Paul Richardson, from the game almost entirely. Richardson, who caught 11 passes for 284 yards two weeks ago against California, had 4 receptions for 38 yards, half of which came on one play.

Operating largely under center and in the I-formation, Braxton Miller's first start saw Ohio State grind out 226 rushing yards on 47 attempts. Jordan Hall also started his first game at tailback, and he combined with Miller to account for 74% of Ohio State's total yards.

The freshman quarterback only completed five of thirteen passes (38%), often choosing to scramble instead of throwing against the Buffaloes' coverage. Looking tentative for the entire first half, Miller's first completion came on Ohio State's fifth drive. Tight end Reid Fragel hauled an eight yard pass for a first down, warming Miller up for a 32-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Devin Smith three plays later.

Smith would catch two more passes, including another touchdown, from Miller, leading Ohio State receivers with 63 yards.

Schematically, Ohio State's offensive gameplan lacked the cohesion of its defensive counterpart. Miller's best assets-- quick legs, athleticism, scrambling ability-- have been superimposed upon the traditional offensive structure, and we're left with a pro-style system run by a spread quarterback, not unlike the situation Ohio State found itself in with Terrelle Pryor in 2008.

Against Colorado, this bastardized system worked well enough. The Buffaloes have one of the smallest front sevens in BCS play, and they're in the first year of a new 4-3 defense. Ohio State's offensive line bullied the smaller, less talented Buffs, pushing them around as if they were on tracks. Miller scrambled and juked for 83 rushing yards on 17 carries, making defenders look silly with his agility.

The offense cannot continue like this throughout the season, however. Braxton Miller, thin and lithe, will not stay healthy if he absorbs the physical toll 17 carries per game demands over eight games. His future, too, depends upon his growth as a passer and decision-maker. Whether it's Luke Fickell, Urban Meyer, or someone else, Ohio State's next head coach needs Braxton Miller to develop and mature this season.

Miller's passes were wobbly and uncertain, but he will only improve with more repetitions and practice. Fickell's decision to start Miller is the correct one, and now work begins to form this offense around Miller's talents, protecting him while aiding his growth. Today's game was the forced starting point, a simple strategy of bootlegs, roll-outs, and half-reads.

Only one game remains before Dan Herron, DeVier Posey, and Mike Adams return, offering a needed experience and talent boost. Ohio State's receiving corps is devoid of experienced talent, although Devin Smith and fellow promising freshman Evan Spencer each have had tantalizing moments, hinting at what they could become one day.  DeVier Posey's return should help Miller progress while changing the way defenses' play Ohio State.

Next weekend's contest against Michigan State will provide a sterner test than any Ohio State has yet faced this season. Michigan State head coach Mark Danonio, one of the best defensive minds in college football, will have the Spartans prepared for every angle of Ohio State's simple offensive gameplan. The offensive brain trust needs to evolve the offense past simple designed runs and impromptu scrambles, or Braxton Miller's second start will be much worse than his first.