Gator Bowl 2012: 5 Things Braxton Miller Needs to Do to Reach the Next Level

Braxton Miller led the Ohio State Buckeyes today in their loss to the Florida Gators. The Buckeyes were not able to make it into the winners circle and a lot had to do with the inefficiency of the Buckeyes' offense to make it into the end zone.

Miller is a bright spot for the Buckeyes and will be a great quarterback for the Ohio State offense to build around, but he has a number of areas that he could improve on that would make him a better player for Ohio State and a better pro prospect.

Miller has all the intangibles for Urban Meyer to build a title-contending offense around. Looking back at Miller’s performance today against the Gators, here are five areas that he needs to improve on if he plans on making it to the next level in the future.

Find Consistency Deeper than 10 yards

Miller was extremely efficient in the short-yardage passing game for the Buckeyes against the Gators.

The one area he was lacking was challenging the Gators' defense deep downfield.

Miller has been able to complete the short routes and the screens, but his inability to find open receivers as they develop in their routes has to change. He has all the physical tools to be a special quarterback in what has become a line of amazing performers at the position, but Miller has to find his receivers deeper than five yards out. Granted, Miller is just a freshman and he is using the simple options the most.

As Miller grows into the position and as a player under the guidance of Urban Meyer, he will likely become a game-changer and continue to be in the conversation for awards inside the Big Ten and nationally. 

Composure in the Pocket

Miller has to find his options at receiver without being so sporadic in his pocket movement; a lot of the time it was his movement that would create the additional pressure.

As his game matures, Miller will learn to stay in the designed pocket, and he will find his presence.

For now, Miller looks very antsy and uncomfortable in the pocket. He is just a freshman, but he just played in his 13th game. There is no better time than now for him to begin developing and making better decisions inside the pocket.

Miller will get expert instruction from Urban Meyer, so his ability to understand where his protection is coming from will be much improved. 

Avoid Pressure

Miller is a fast speed option quarterback who has a live arm in the pocket.

The one problem he has shown, however, is an inability to find his way out of a pinch. Miller was sacked six times in the first half alone against Florida.

He has the speed to make it out of problem situations, but he can’t seem to find his way out of pressure. Miller will get a feel for the pocket as time goes on, and eventually, he should be coming out of openings instead of into awaiting defenders' arms in the near future.

Miller’s sack total is a big reason the Buckeyes found themselves in trouble situations this season. Getting Miller to find a way out of pressure will be a major focus point for the Buckeyes in this offseason. 

Find Second Options

Braxton Miller has a very strong arm and will be one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten once his time is finished at Ohio State.

But so far this season, his biggest struggle at making the shift from rookie quarterback to stellar performing veteran is his receiver choice.

Against Florida it was obvious time and again that he would have receivers open that were secondary options, but Miller would either put himself into pressure situations or he wouldn’t make the throw. The more he matures in the system and gains instruction, the better he will get.

Miller has the tools to be a very effective passer in the future.

Make the Proper Reads in the Read Option

The read-option run will be a part of the Urban Meyer offense at Ohio State. Miller is the perfect quarterback to run it for Meyer, and Miller can be effective with that type of responsibility.

There were times against Florida, however, that Miller made the wrong reads off the defensive end.

There were numerous opportunities for Miller to take it to the outside, but instead he handed the ball off only to see the running back laid out in front of him. He will see that option on film and will learn how to draw in the defensive end better in the future.

Look for Miller to really grow this offseason and make huge strides with his rushing ability this coming year.