Quarterbacks Battle For Starting Job

Bauserman, Miller battle for the QB job

As we close in on the beginning of college football season, it is becoming clear who is going to get the majority of the playing at quarterback for the Buckeyes against Akron.



Through fall practice, it has become a two-horse race with the veteran Joe Bauserman and the freshman phenom Braxton Miller getting nearly all of the first-team snaps. Bauserman will probably get the start against Akron but he and Miller will likely split time with the first team both against the Zips and the following week when Toledo makes the trip to Columbus.

It is tough to get a good read on how Braxton Miller will do based just on practice results.  Miller is a player who is at his best when the pads are on and playing at game speed.  He has shown flashes in practice, but also tends to get caught thinking and will make an occasional poor throw.



Miller's mobility makes him extremely dangerous

If Miller is on the field, just wait to take that bathroom break because you might see something special.  No matter where the team is on the field, Miller has the ability to make a big play.

To give Miller the start in his first ever college football game might be a bit much for the freshman from Huber Heights Wayne.  Don’t be surprised if he gets the same treatment Terrelle Pryor did in his freshman year in the first few games to get his feet wet.  A good showing in the first few games could be enough for Miller to win the job for good, possibly for the next four years.

Joe Bauserman has been getting the majority of the first-team snaps in practice, leading most to believe he will take the first snap for the Buckeyes at the Horseshoe in 2011. 



Bauserman likely to start vs. Akron

Giving the 26-year-old senior the starting job is the safest thing Luke Fickell can do.  Throwing Braxton Miller into the fire straightaway could be disastrous if he’s not ready.  Bauserman should have no problem leading the Buckeyes to victories over the two MAC opponents, but a loss in any of the first five games could have fans calling for Miller to be the full-time guy.  Stop me if you’ve heard this before (i.e. Todd Boeckman-Terrelle Pryor in 2007).

Unless Joe Bauserman completely dominates when he is on the field, I think that Miller will get his first start either against Colorado or Michigan State.  I’m leaning towards Colorado just so Miller can get the first start out of the way before conference play begins.

The experience Bauserman and Miller will get in the first five games will be crucial if the Buckeyes want to emerge unscathed from Memorial Stadium.  No matter who is under center, the Buckeyes will be in good hands, likely with another 5-0 record as they head to Lincoln to take on the Cornhuskers.