Recap: Ohio State 37, Colorado 17

Miller had 83 yards rushing

The Miller era has begun in Columbus, Ohio. After being announced that true freshman Braxton Miller would be starting the game against Toledo on Thursday of this past week, you could expect the youngster to have some nerves before and during the first couple of minutes of the game. It showed on the first drive, after Miller fumbled a snap, but was soon taken care of thanks to forcing a quick 3 and out from our defense. That's when Miller seemed like a different person, a calm and collected QB that was able to rush where he wanted when he wanted. Against Colorado (1-3), Miller went 5/13 (38% completion percentage) for 83 yards, but had 2 beautiful touchdown strikes to his main target this season, Devin Smith.

Troy Smith had Ted Ginn and Anthoney Gonzalez as his targets, while Boeckman had Robiskie, and Terrelle Pryor had Posey and Sanzenbacher. It seems like the new connection is Miller to Smith, who paired up 3 times. He finished with 64 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Reid Fragel was Miller's other target, who he only found once, but the majority of the play-calling was in favor of Braxton's legs. Of course, handing the ball of is also important when you have the thunder-lightning combo of Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde. Hall, who amassed 231 all purpose yardage, with 84 of that coming on the ground. He also had two long kickoff returns, 1 which was called back while the other was stopped short inside the 5-yard line. Carlos Hyde only had 6 carries to Hall's 18, but still managed to get 40 yards out of it, and a touchdown that sealed the deal for Ohio State (3-1) later in the game.

When Colorado came into the 'Shoe, they didn't run their offense like they wanted to. Early on pressure from the defense didn't allow much to happen on the offensive side of the ball for the Buffs, including not rushing Rodney Stewart as much as they should have, which is one their strong suits. Eventually on long drives quarterback Tyler Hansen was able to float 2 touchdowns over the top of Buckeye defense, but they didn't use the screen until late in the game (Ironically, when things were moving well for the Buffs) which might prove to be an Achilles heel for this defensive secondary. Michigan State next week will be sure to watch the film and take advantage of situations like this. Colorado truthfully had a chance to make this game competitive, but misfortune fell when they stepped on their own feet by turning the ball over twice, and not doing well on special teams.

My Thoughts:

- Braxton Miller looked good, and the new era was ushered in well. I would like to see some more completions outside of the red zone, so that he can build confidence, but it might prove to be tougher against a  Big Ten defense like Michigan State. Miller will have to show that he can handle it, and if the Buckeye's show up and play hard, Miller might lock the spot down for the rest of the season. His escapbility on scrambling is much better than Terrelle Pryor's. Pryor was the better overall runner, simply because he was bigger and faster than anyone on any field. Miller isn't as fast or big, but he's tough and is shifty like none other. His passing was a little off on spirals, which means he was throwing way too hard. It's understandable in his first start at the 'Shoe, but it's something he can improve on for sure. The two touchdowns he threw to Smith were very good throws, both accurate and right where they needed to be.

- Devin Smith is a serious player in this offense. The rest of the receivers proved that they can't get separation against solid corner's. Smith was able to make some cuts and moves and get around and over the top of the defenders, and make catches that need to be made with a freshman quarterback. The way Smith played, Miller is going to be looking to him a lot, which Michigan State will key in on, so it's time for the rest of the receivers to step up.

- Solid defense was solid. Pretty simple, and they didn't give the Buffaloes a chance. There isn't much of a killer instinct yet, but that comes in time playing over the course of the season. Ohio State had a couple of chances to put it away, but CU continued to drive down the field and keep within striking distance. John Simon had another nice game, as did Storm Klein who seems to be improving after each game. The corners are solid, but need improvement, and Travis Howard might not be as good in coverage as we initially thought after he had some passes thrown his way that could have been deflected. His tackling has improved, which will help, and he made some plays to get the ball. Bradley Roby is solid in run support, and decent at coverage.

- Jordan Hall has gotten so much better at running the ball from last year, it's ridiculous. He has worked so hard in the off season, and it truly shows. He's much bigger and stronger, and his speed is about the same as last year, which is important. He runs with authority, and is a good example for younger backs like Hyde and Smith. I wish I could see more Berry toting the rock. The redshirt sophomore only had 2 carries against Colorado, both in spread formations, which is fine but he only gained 1 total yard. His first run only went for 3 yards, while his second (right as he touched the ball) the defense was upon him for a 2 yard loss. I'm not sure if he's hurt or he's just not on the same level as Hall and Hyde. Only time will tell.

Jordan Hall did it all. Yes, that did rhyme.

- The special teams gets an "A" for the day, as kicker Drew Basil was 3/3 from 18, 28, and 47 yards while the kickoff coverage sniffed out any type of return. Punter Ben Buchanan had another great game, pinning the Buffaloes behind their own 20 a couple of times, and punt coverage got a turnover when Stewart dropped the Buchanan punt. Kick return was awesome, as wedges were formed very nicely, as Jordan Hall went up the seams and headed to the endzone twice. The only fault all day was Zach Boren holding on the first kick return, but later made up for it with a key block to spring Hall to inside the 5.