Ohio State Football: Keys for Buckeyes in Season Opener vs. Miami of Ohio

After one of the most tumultuous years in school history, the Ohio State Buckeyes will officially usher in the Urban Meyer era on Saturday afternoon at the Horseshoe when they take on their in-state rivals Miami of Ohio.

The Buckeyes have been slowly building toward this moment since the 2011 season ended. Actually, the process began before the end of the season when all the Meyer rumors started. 

With a full offseason to recruit his players, as well as work with the talent from the previous regime, Meyer is going to leave his imprint on this program right away. 

But it will take time, which is where this game with Miami comes in.

Here are the biggest keys to victory for the Buckeyes on Saturday. 

Braxton Miller's Pocket Presence

Urban Meyer has gone on record saying that Miller is a more dynamic than anyone he has ever coached, including Tim Tebow. 

Having an athlete at quarterback is a tremendous asset, but you need a quarterback who can stand in the pocket, get hit, keep his poise and deliver a strike down the field. 

Miller never really had a chance to showcase that last year, as he only played sparingly at the start of the year and was more inclined to run the ball when he took the reins later in the season. 

This will be a critical season for his development as a passer, and any improvement he made in the offseason should be on display in this game. 

He is a good enough athlete and runner that he can get away with a completion percentage of 54.1 again, but it is definitely not what Meyer wants to see from his potential superstar quarterback. 

Defensive Improvements

The Buckeyes built a reputation under Jim Tressel as one of the most physical defensive teams in the country. All that fell apart last year, as the Buckeyes allowed 20 or more points nine times, including the last four games of the season. 

By comparison, during his last two years at Florida, Meyer's defenses allowed 20 or more points in a game nine times, and there was never a four-game stretch like what Ohio State had last year. 

Co-defensive coordinators Luke Fickell and Everett Withers have a big task in getting the defense close to the level where it used to be. It is going to take time for them to get all the way back. But a game such as this, which is designed to make them look good, should boost their confidence. 

Where are the Wide Receivers?

With Miller having to show improvements in the pocket, the receivers have to help him out on the occasions when the Buckeyes do throw the ball. 

Last year, three players tied for the team lead in receptions with 14. Even with a terrible quarterback, someone should be able to luck into at least 20 catches.

That said, with more opportunities, Devin Smith could be one of the best big-play receivers in the country. He averaged 21 yards per reception with four touchdowns catches, which is a remarkable ratio given he only had 14 catches. 

Even more impressive is that Smith did that as a freshman. With that experience under his belt, he could emerge as a force this season. Keep an eye on his performance against Miami to see if he has taken the next step. 

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