“Well, right now we’re focused on obviously Braxton is our quarterback, and if Joe goes in there, then obviously we have to do some different things probably. The thing is people are going to play you different, so you’ve got to figure out what it is that he can do well.” -Luke Fickell on the QB position.
It appears, according to Coach Fickell’s press conference, that Braxton Miller is going to be able to play come Saturday. They wanted to see how he responds to practice today, but they were encouraged by his progress. That is certainly the good news.
The bad news, is that the Buckeyes are still leaning on Joe Bauserman as part of the plan.
Fickell’s statement, that the Buckeyes have to figure out what Bauserman can do well, is completely absurd. Bauserman is in the middle of his last season with the Buckeyes. Why exactly should they scramble to find out something he can do well? “Congratulations Joe, with scholarship in hand you will graduate with a degree from The Ohio State University. We wish you well in whatever you do with the rest of your life. You will never throw another pass out of bounds for us again though.” How about that for a statement on Joe Bauserman?
I don’t see what possible good it can do for Bauserman to get any more reps in practice or in a game situation.
When asked about Kenny Guiton, Fickell replied, “Kenny will get some more reps and that’s a part of it. Kenny has been getting reps, and some of them have been at the quarterback position, some of them have been on special teams. Kenny has stayed involved a lot and showed the team and everybody how important it is to him, and he’ll get probably more and more opportunities in the weeks to come.”
More opportunities? How about all of the second string reps? That would be more opportunities.
And here’s a thought- you may not have to change the offensive game plan so much if Guiton came in to replace Miller as you would Bauserman. In any case, whether Miller, Guiton or Basuerman, handing off is always a good option.
The Buckeyes get back Dan Herron and Marcus Hall this week. The offensive line should be at full strength. Carlos Hyde averaged 8.0 yards per carry last week. Dan Herron has the fresh legs and should be itching to carry the ball. Jordan Hall had a tough week, but is still capable of getting to the edge. How about getting back to some old fashioned Buckeye smash-mouth football? That would solve some of the QB issues.
