Ohio State Spring Game: Braxton Miller Will Prove He's Ready to Usher in New Era

2012 marks the dawning of a new era for Ohio State Buckeyes' football, and quarterback Braxton Miller is the perfect guy to have under center for it's inception.

He's going to prove that he has what it takes to lead this team into the future at the 2012 Spring game.

The Buckeyes made a bold statement when they hired former Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer, and he will bring some bold changes along with him.

Long gone are the days of conservative Jim Tressel run offenses.

Long gone are the talks of scandal and improper benefits. Long gone is the shame of struggle—both on and off the field.

Well, maybe those things aren't all long gone, but the Buckeyes let us know that they were fully committed to moving on from the past when they brought in Meyer.

They let us know that they were willing to try things differently, and one of the major changes will come on offense, according to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN's Big Ten blog:

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     It's the first spring game under new Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, who, along with [Offensive coordinator Tom] Herman, has spent the spring installing his up-tempo, spread offense. Don't expect the Buckeyes to show too much Saturday, but the fact they'll be running a no-huddle, spread-based offense with unique personnel groupings and triple-option elements will be a sight to behold for Ohio State fan.

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This is truly a new era of Ohio State football, but in order for it to succeed they need to have the right guy under center.

Miller is the perfect fit for Meyer's up-tempo, no-huddle, spread offense.

At 6'3'' and 210 pounds, he's got great size for a quarterback in this system and he uses it well. Miller is incredibly shifty, has good quickness and displays very good vision. He has the speed to take off and run with the ball when the play breaks down, and that's going to be a huge weapon for him in 2012.

The spread offense naturally caters to the pass, so defenses will have to honor that. But, they're always going to have to be aware that Miller can run out of the backfield and pick up huge chunks of yardage if they give him too much slack.

Miller is going to drive defensive coordinators crazy with his running ability, but he also displays a very strong arm. His accuracy isn't the best, but in time and with proper coaching, Miller will be a true dual-threat quarterback for Meyer and the Buckeyes.

It's going to look different—it's certainly going to feel different—but at first glance Ohio State looks to be finding it's way back to the path of Big Ten dominance and national relevancy in college football.

It all starts with the 2012 Spring game where we will get our first glimpse of what Meyer plans to do with his young, athletic quarterback.

I expect great things.