Braxton Miller is a rare talent, there’s no doubt about it. As a true freshman, he has been completely thrown into the fire and has responded like a fifth-year senior. Very few quarterbacks in the nation are as elusive and explosive on their feet and he will evolve into an effective passer as he becomes more experienced.
Despite being trapped in an anemic offense, Miller was able to flourish as a dual-threat quarterback and make a major impact on the field. No one will benefit more from the hiring of Urban Meyer than Miller. Meyer’s offense is perfect for the young quarterback’s skill set and every QB that has played under Meyer has experienced amazing success.
With the combination of Miller’s talent and intangibles and Meyer’s guidance and offensive schemes, he will absolutely win a Heisman during his time in Columbus.
Braxton Miller can destroy a defense in multiple ways. Whether this is on the run or through the air, he knows how to get it done on the football field. His versatility will allow him to rack up touchdowns week in and week out in order to pad his Heisman stats. One of the first places Heisman voters look at in candidates is their touchdown total, and you can be sure that Miller will garner plenty with his arm and his legs.
More importantly, however, Miller has the ability to wow voters and excite the media and fans. The Heisman Trophy winner is supposed to be the most outstanding player in the nation and nothing says outstanding like a dual-threat quarterback dominating a game. The true freshman has already produced some amazingly exciting moments and he is just getting started.
As much as it pains me to say this, Michigan football is on the rise. After a few dismal seasons under former head coach Rich Rodriguez, the Wolverines find themselves in their first BCS bowl since 2006. More importantly, Michigan ended Ohio State’s recent domination in the storied rivalry.
Just when it seemed that OSU may take a few steps back, they hired one of the most successful coaches in the past decade. Ohio State won’t miss a beat under Urban Meyer which only means one thing. The greatest rivalry in sports will showcase elite teams on both sidelines in the next couple of years.
When Ohio State and Michigan occupy the Top 10 at the same time, there is no bigger stage in college football, with the exception of the national championship. This rivalry resurgence will give Braxton Miller the ultimate stage to sway voters and receive exposure towards the end of the season. Big games in this rivalry have always boosted the Heisman hopes of elite players on both teams, and Miller will certainly reap the same benefits.
He has already proven that he can perform in this rivalry exceptionally and a monster game against the Wolverines will win him some necessary votes.
Jim Bollman’s offensive scheme has never put players in the best situation to succeed. It lacks creativity, refuses to adjust and doesn’t take advantage of a dual-threat quarterback’s abilities. Despite this hampering scheme, Miller was able experience a great deal of success for a true freshman. It’s almost scary to think what Miller could do in an offense that actually utilizes his talents.
There is no better scheme for Miller’s talents than Urban Meyer’s. The new head coach’s system will allow Miller to really unleash his talents and put him in the best position to succeed. The talented freshman will be allowed to play out of the shotgun more often and utilize his explosive running ability.
Moreover, Miller will be put in a better chance to succeed as a passer. Defenses will be forced to concern themselves with quick passes and screens which will only take more pressure off of Miller. With more easy completions implemented into the game plan, Miller’s confidence will only rise as a passer, allowing him to really progress as a passer. If this guy becomes an elite passer, he will be unstoppable.
Braxton Miller is a gamer. The bigger the stage, the bigger he plays and the more he shines. As a true freshman, Miller has come up huge in the clutch time and time again. Against Wisconsin, Miller put the game away once with an incredible 44-yard scamper to the end zone. After watching the lead he built vanish, Miller proceeded to launch a 40-yard touchdown bomb to jump back ahead of the Badgers with just 20 seconds left. It was an extremely intelligent and clutch play.
Two weeks later, Miller completed a miraculous pass to Jordan Hall against Purdue that should have won the Buckeyes the game. Of course against Michigan, Miller again rose to the occasion as he threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 100 yards and another touchdown. The situation or game is never too big for this young talent and he’s as clutch as they come.
Every year, Heisman voters look for that majestic “Heisman moment” that a player has performed. They also take a vested interest in how the player performs on the biggest of stages, and you can guarantee that Miller will always come up big in the biggest of moments. When it comes to big games and tight spots, Miller will deliver and the voters will certainly like that.
