Ohio State Football: Biggest Keys to Revitalizing Passing Game

A new and improved Braxton Miller, a deep wide receiver corps and the addition of dynamic freshman Dontre Wilson will help the Ohio State Buckeyes' passing game make huge strides in 2013.

Those factors will add a crucial element to a football team that was perfect in the win-less column a season ago. While that’s a promising thought for Buckeyes Nation, it will undoubtedly strike fear into opposing defensive coordinators throughout this season.

Last season, Ohio State ranked just 101st in the nation in passing, averaging 181.5 yards through the air.

Coach Urban Meyer’s spread offense will move players around, create mismatches against defenses and then run the football right between the tackles once the openings are there.

The obvious key to Meyer realizing his vision of a revamped passing game starts with quarterback Braxton Miller’s offseason improvements as a passer.

Miller’s Progression as a Quarterback

The Ohio native hasn’t been ineffective as a passer, just inefficient at times. As a sophomore, Miller improved in every statistical category, finishing with 15 touchdowns, six interceptions and over 2,000 yards passing. Still, he completed just 58.3 percent of his attempts.

Lori Schmidt, of 97.1 The Fan in Columbus, Ohio, provided some insight from Miller’s head coach, who pointed out an area of improvement for him this offseason:

Meyer credits some of his quarterback’s success and newfound confidence with his training from John Gruden quarterback camp videos, according to Schmidt.

As a result of Miller’s strides this offseason, Meyer is infinitely more confident in his quarterback moving forward, according to Jeff Svoboda of Buckeye Sports Bulletin:

So, Miller is a dynamic athlete who is capable of beating defenses with his speed and is gaining confidence and improving his fundamentals as a passer? Look out, NCAA.

Rise of a Young Star

Wilson is a freshman athlete who is already proving that he belongs with the big boys of Ohio State football.

According to Doug Lesmeries of The Plain Dealer, the young speedster recently had his black stripe removed, signifying his coach’s confidence in his ability to compete at the college level.

Originally pegged as the team’s potential “H-back,” Meyer’s hybrid playmaker position, Wilson may not end up playing in that role due to his other talents, according to Svoboda:

Wherever he ends up playing, one thing is clear: Wilson is going to either make a huge impact or be a colossal disappointment early in his college career. That’s due to the continually growing expectations that have been built up around him because of the big impression he has made in his short time in Columbus.

Success of the Offensive Line

As simple as it sounds, the Buckeyes’ ability to throw is going to hinge on the team’s ability to control the line of scrimmage.

It shouldn’t be a problem either, given Meyer’s track record of creating dynamic offensive game plans that spring quarterbacks.

The team’s offensive line returns four starters from a season ago. With a year of playing together under their belts, and with Miller scrambling behind them, the returners on the line should be more comfortable in their blocking assignments while Miller makes things happen in the pocket or on the fly.

Last year, the group ranked 90th in the nation, allowing 2.5 sacks of Miller per game.

If the offensive line can keep him upright this season while in the pocket and give him a little more time, there’s no telling what heights that Miller and the Buckeyes' passing game can reach in 2013.