Ohio State Players to Watch this Weekend

Braxton Miller – Quarterback

Aug 19, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer and quarterback Braxton Miller (5) during practice at Ackerman Road Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

We don’t actually know who will be the starter on Saturday. If Braxton Miller’s strained MCL is ready to go, he will be the starter. Personally, I think Ohio State will start Miller. Either way, the quarterback is key to the game for the Buckeyes.

Miller is a Heisman contender, ending last year 5th in Heisman voting. He has looked sharp at times this year, but has yet to really hit his stride. He is a more accurate, more efficient version of Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State’s last quarterback). This duel-threat QB has the allusiveness of a top-end running back, but his arm has delivered some big plays more than a few times. So far this season, he’s gone 17-of-24, 208 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception through the air. He also rushed for 113 yards through two games.

Cal’s defense is banged up and without its best player, Avery Sebastian (who tore his Achilles after a superb game against Northwestern and is gone for the season), and they have given up more than a few big plays this season already. Braxton Miller could potentially have a field day against this Cal defense. On the other hand, if Cal (who may possibly get a few guys back this weekend) can play defense like they did in the second half of the Portland State game, they could really have a chance to win the game.

In order to play like they did in the second half, they must contain the Braxton Miller. If Miller gets into space or gets big plays through the air, this game will be a long one for Cal.