Braxton Miller has had an “incredible week” of practice, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said.
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What that means for Miller in his new role as backup quarterback Saturday at home against Minnesota is unclear, because his teammates are not saying much.
Barrett, who was the first-team All-Big Ten quarterback and the fifth-place finisher in the Heisman Trophy voting, started the first 12 games in 2014 before a broken ankle in the Michigan game ended his season.
Meyer had packages for Miller to receive snaps this season, but more is expected of him against the Gophers (4-4, 1-3). He has emerged as a leader at middle linebacker on a star-studded defense that includes National Football League prospects all over the field, including fellow linebackers Joshua Perry and Darron Lee. Miller has not thrown a pass when he has lined up at quarterback this season and a few people question if his shoulder has healed enough after two surgeries to throw the ball.
One shovel pass this season aside, Miller hasn’t officially thrown a pass since Ohio State’s appearance in the Orange Bowl at the end of the 2013 season.
“Cardale had a great week of practice last week, he’s engaged, he handled everything like a man”, Meyer said.
Ohio State found a solution of sorts in Week 6 against Maryland, starting Jones and playing Barrett in the red zone.
“We feel like we have a good answer for the red zone right now”.
Meyer also said on Monday that junior H-back Dontre Wilson and redshirt freshman receiver Parris Campbell are questionable on Saturday, while redshirt freshman receiver Johnnie Dixon is out following a knee injury. Meyer said hybrid Curtis Samuel is healthy after being hampered by back and hamstring issues. It’s a busy week. “He just shows up and really goes about his business”.
It is a situation the Cleveland native is more than familiar with after filling in for the final three games of last season, but not likely one he expected just one game after losing his starting job for the first time.
While Barrett eventually took over as the full-time quarterback, Meyer seemed to bring out the best in Jones as a starter when using him in a two-quarterback system.
Ohio State’s offense immediately took a noticeable step forward when Barrett replaced Jones.
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When Meyer was asked on the Big Ten coaches teleconference on Tuesday about the possibility Jones could be the starter again next week at Illinois, he said, “We’ll worry about that after this game”. How do you not look over your shoulder if you’re the quarterback at Ohio State.
