Can Braxton Miller be the best player in college football? After a dazzling season last year, Braxton Miller (2,039 passing yards, 15 TDs; 227 attempts, 1524 rushing yards, 13 TDs in 2012) can be described as having tremendous upside at the QB position, once his game is taken to the next level, hopefully this upcoming season. In the right environment under Urban Meyer, I feel that the Buckeyes have the ability to contend for a National Championship in 2013; with Miller as the go to leader and devastating dual threat. Will 2013 be that type of year for Miller? After completing 16/25 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns during the spring game Urban Meyer looks to be trying to get early work in the passing game; and he should be as the Buckeyes were not a pass happy team in 2012. As Meyer begins his second year as head coach, look for Miller to settle down and make valiant strides, as a full season under his belt in a new offensive system is about to pay off in potentially bigger ways than it already has. The bottom line is if Miller can improve his accuracy and knowledge for opposing defenses 2013, will be special year in Ohio, as his dual threat capabilities and physicality running the football will be a huge challenge for opposing defense in the Big 10 and beyond. In the end for Heisman consideration to be had, Miller will have to improve his passing statistics dramatically, evolving his game into a pass first, run second style.
Will the offense start where it left off? As four offensive lineman return, a veteran receiver in WR Jordan Hall (30 catches, 618 receiving yards, 6 TDs) and RB Carlos Hyde (185 attempts, 995 yards rushing, 16 TDs) the Buckeyes have significant talent going into 2013. With this said however, chemistry is going to have to develop quickly and Miller is going to have to take complete lead of the unit. In addition new recruits Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson are among others will compete for balls from Miller. We all know however most importantly that the rushing attack will be there.
Defensively: Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington are youngsters who have impressed and are budding stars on the defensive line, however only time will tell. At linebacker only Ryan Shazier (114 Total Tackles) returns, so this group will need to adjust fast. The main hope is that LB Curtis Grant comes into a rhythm and steps up his performance from 2012. In the defensive back field Bradley Roby (62 Total Tackles) is an elite specimen. At Safety Christian Bryant (70 Total Tackles) and C.J. Barnett (56 Total Tackles) will be under a lot of pressure as up and down performances last season will be at an all time high.
Will the Buckeyes hype of a (12-0) 2012 season get into their heads? In my opinion Urban Meyer is one of the toughest coaches in the country and he knows that the target on the Buckeyes’ back going into 2013 will be huge. As many of the vital pieces that produce championship caliber football teams seem, to be coming into place at Ohio State, a long road rests ahead. 2013 in my opinion could be another undefeated season given that I feel that the Buckeyes main X-factor rests in head coaching leadership. With loads of experience a humble nature and never satisfied attitude, the Buckeyes should be ready to go this fall and will be damn fun too watch under Meyer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzp0X1CX4XI
