A small dark cloud casted over Buckeye Nation due to bad news that was announced yesterday. Joey Bosa, Jalin Marshall, Corey Smith, and Dontre Wilson will miss the opening game against Virginia Tech due to violating team rules. Virginia Tech was the lone team to defeat the Buckeyes last season, and the Bucks will have to travel to Blacksburg, Va to face the Hokies. It may be unknown who will start quarterback for the Bucks, but a former quarterback will make his mark elsewhere. Two-time Big Ten Player of the Year Braxton Miller will make the switch to the H-Back/WR role, and it came at the perfect time.
With H-Back/WR’s Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson out for the first game it will give Miller a chance to get his feet wet at his new position. The H-Back position in Urban Meyer’s offense was made famous by Percy Harvin while Meyer was at Florida. Miller may not be a Percy Harvin type of player yet, but we will get to see No. 5 transition into his new role. With three key playmakers out on the offensive side of the ball expect to see a lot of jet sweeps, bubble screens, and trickery with Miller on the field. Its obvious that Braxton doesn’t fully have all of the nuiances down to operate as a top-flight wide receiver/h-back, but everyone knows how dynamic he is when he had the football in his hands.
The game versus Virginia Tech will be a litmus test for the defending champs, but it’s also an opportunity for a star to be reborn. Miller’s move may not create instant success, but if it does people shouldn’t be surprised. Coach Meyer will do his best to allow Miller to succeed to the best of his abilities. Having Miller on field adds a new dynamic for the Buckeyes, and it should be exciting to see what Miller can become at his new position.
