Ohio State Football: Playmakers Who Will Shine for Buckeyes vs. UCF on Saturday

The Ohio State Buckeyes are heavy favorites in their matchup with the Central Florida Knights this Saturday, and for good reason.

Urban Meyer's squad boasts a handful of playmakers on both sides of the ball, each of whom will have a golden opportunity to shine at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday afternoon.

Here, we take a closer look at a trio of Buckeyes playmakers who will shine for Ohio State in Saturday's clash with UCF.

Travis Howard

The Buckeyes cornerback made not one, but two interceptions against Miami (OH) last weekend in Ohio State's rout of its in-state rival.

A 6'1" senior, Travis Howard picked off only two passes combined all of last season. His hot start against the RedHawks will no doubt carry over into Saturday's clash with Central Florida.

UCF quarterback Blake Bortles will rely heavily on the Knight's rushing attack to move the ball on Saturday. Look for Howard to use his superior ball-hawking skills to make a play or two when Bortles drops back into the pocket. 

Braxton Miller

Call it a painfully obvious choice if you want, but the versatile Buckeyes quarterback is poised to continue his growth under Urban Meyer on Saturday against UCF.

Miller is Ohio State's leading passer and rusher after Week 1, and has amassed more than 360 total yards and three total touchdowns.

Going up against inferior competition for the second weekend in a row, the sophomore signal-caller is sure to shine as a dual threat playmaker, reeling off big runs and connecting on back-breaking plays through the air. 

Philly Brown

Although the official 2012 Ohio State Football Roster lists his first name as Corey, Philly sounds much cooler.

Whatever you decide to call him is irrelevant, however, considering the junior wide receiver proved to be an ideal target in Ohio State's season-opening blowout of Miami (OH) last weekend.

At 6'1", Brown boasts an impressive frame and the ability to separate from opposing secondaries. The Pennsylvania native caught seven balls against the RedHawks, racking up 87 yards and a score.

Brown's longest reception in Week 1 was 38 yards, but aside from that big play, he was most effective as a possession receiver set on moving the chains and keeping the drive alive for the Buckeyes.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter For More College Football Discussion, Reaction and Analysis.