Ohio State Football: Keys for Braxton Miller in Season Opener

As the Ohio State Buckeyes look for an opening game victory against the Miami (OH) RedHawks on Saturday, all eyes will be focused on quarterback Braxton Miller.

The dual-threat sophomore comes into 2012 after a scintillating freshman campaign that saw him combine for nearly 2,000 total yards and 20 touchdowns.

With noted quarterback guru Urban Meyer taking over as Buckeyes head coach this season, the expectations will spread as wide as the offense this season for Miller.

Standing at 6'2" with a strong arm and with the athleticism of an Olympic sprinter, Miller is Meyer's most talented quarterback since Tim Tebow and comes into Saturday with 65/1 odds (via Bovada.lv) to win the Heisman Trophy.

Though a true sophomore taking home the bronze statue seems unlikely, there has been one player to do so in the award's history: Tebow in 2007.

But it all starts with Miami (OH) on Saturday. What must Miller do to not only be a Heisman-level quarterback, but also a winning one? Here's a look at the keys for the Buckeyes quarterback for his season opener.

Stay Poised, Accurate in the Pocket

Though Miller's freshman season was undoubtedly successful, the Ohio State star needs to become more accurate in his second season as starting quarterback.

Miller completed just 54.1 percent of his throws in 2011, and though he had just four interceptions, there were a ton of times when the opposition simply missed an easy turnover opportunity.

But the true key to Miller's inaccuracies is the fact he's uncomfortable sticking in the pocket.

As a freshman, Miller took a whopping 39 sacks. And considering he added a bunch more hits in his 120 other carries (sacks count as rushing attempts in college football) as a runner last season, there is no way he'll stay fully healthy if that rate continues.

Against a relatively weak opponent in Miami (OH), Miller needs to stick in the pocket and worry about getting comfortable with his timing. There's no need to take unnecessary hits in easy wins.

Pick a Top Receiver

One of the most astounding stats for Ohio State last season is that no receiver had more than 14 receptions.

While you could theorize that Miller and fellow quarterback Joe Bauserman simply spread the ball around in 2011, someone should have stepped up as the leader of the pack. No quarterback can succeed without having a top receiver he's most comfortable with on the roster.

And with tight end Jake Stoneburner now being listed as a starting wide receiver alongside Devin Smith, it at least looks like we know who Miller has to choose from this season.

The sophomore big-play threat Smith likely comes into the season as the favorite as both young men share a common bond for the big play. It also doesn't hurt that the senior Stoneburner just got reinstated a little over a month ago from suspension.

Regardless, Miller needs to work with both guys on Saturday and decide on a top target going forward.

Establish Dominance

Early season contests against overmatched teams are a stat-padding hallmark for every Heisman trophy hopeful.

With Ohio State ineligible for a bowl game this season, Miller's biggest goal outside of winning ballgames might as well be putting his name atop the ballot.

And with the RedHawks coming off a 4-8 record, there is no better time to announce his presence than on Saturday. Whether he does it through the air or on the ground, the dynamic star has an opportunity for huge game.

Miller will just have to stay focused, play his game and let his overwhelming talent do the talking.