Ohio State Football: What Braxton Miller Needs to Do to Continue His Development

Ohio State freshman quarterback Braxton Miller has played a total of one-and-a-half good games as a starter, including the full game against Colorado and the first half at Nebraska.

He complete one pass on a grand total of four passes versus the Fighting Illini almost two weeks ago.

So where is he at as far as becoming a solid QB is concerned?

Right now, the initial reaction is nothing more than a shrug of the shoulders and just wondering what he will look like next week.

Unlike Terrelle Pryor, Miller isn't blessed with the gift of a Beanie Wells at running back or a veteran receiver corps to help him out. 

But there is no doubt the kid has some natural ability. He is breaking off the types of runs that it took Pryor much longer to do at the college level.

Miller runs like a speedy back, ala LeSean McCoy, with a great amount of burst and elusiveness. Of course, like all running QBs, he needs to learn to avoid taking so many hits.

And then there is the issue of Miller's throwing. What his high school film has shown is a solid set of mechanics and a good ball out of his right hand.

Lately, Miller has been prone to some wounded ducks. Whether it's a case of nerves or an attempt to tweak his mechanics, it's unusual to see for those who watched Miller play in high school.

So the question is, how can he take the next step?

We know that Miller can run and rip off some big chunks every once in a while.

The next step is him being able to use his mobility to not only get outside of the pocket, but to extend passing play opportunities.

Over time, Pryor became an expert at doing this sort of thing on a regular basis. Miller has not yet learned about when to step into the pocket or roll outside and make plays happen along the perimeter.

Often he has run into his own linemen and been trapped, and forced to go down for a sack. This is the type of thing that can be solved with time and reps in practice and game situations.

But the truth is, it's very unrealistic for Miller to suddenly turn into Russell Wilson or Robert Griffin III before Saturday's matchup with Wisconsin.

He just needs to show improvement from week to week when asked to take some chances in the passing game.

The time will come when he will be called upon to win a game in the final minutes, with his arm and feet. That is when we will truly know who Braxton Miller is.

It's about the moments that turn good players into great players; it's about the little things that allow players to make plays almost at will.

Braxton Miller hasn't done those things yet, but he has the ability.

All he needs is the time for the game to slow down, and it will all come together, hopefully.

Follow me on Twitter @bielik_tim for more college football updates and news.