Not talking about individual awards. Talking about Individual stats and overall leadership and subsequent team performance.
Troy Smith's 2006 season stats, a year in which OSU went 12-1 and Smith won the Heisman Trophy:
passing- 203/311 65% 2,542 yards 30 TDs and 6 ints
rushing- 72 carries for 204 yards 1 TD
last year, Braxton was:
passing- 148/254 58% 2,039 yards 15 TDs and 6 ints
rushing- 227 carries for 1271 yards 13 TDs
barring injury, I fully expect Braxton Miller to improve his passing statistics while rushing for around 800 or so yards and about 10 TDs. Leadership role that results in team performance, as of now, don't really know, only hope.
Rushing? Yes. Passing? No. Different beasts.
Not likely to ever be the passer Troy was...needs to make a big jump in reading D's / going thru progressions to get his game to close to the passing level of an RG3 / Scam Newton, like we are all hoping for.
D. Anthony
Rushing obviously... Passing I think I am split. I think he will have more yards (I'll say 2,900) but I don't think he reaches 30 touchdowns. I could see 20 Passing TDs and 15 Rushing. I also think he rushing yards will go down from last year (end up just above 1000). Simply having more weapons on offense will ease his workload some rushing this year.
Looking for one stat:
1
Crystal Ball
Naw I doubt it. Troy was a much better natural passer. He will definetely have more yards on the ground but not through the air...
I believe Brax will improve his passing a bit. I see him throwing for at least 500 more yards. Now I do not believe he throws for more touchdowns than Troy, but with all the slot recievers we have, you never know when a screen or check down will go to the house. My prediction is 2900 passing at about 60% with about 20 to 30 TD's. Rushing stats will go down. He may not get to 1000 yards this year, but I say he adds 10 TD's.
I guess I pretty much agree with FRESH.
Compared to Troy's Senior year I think Braxton gets him in Rush Yds, Rush TD, Passing Yards.
Troy will have more/better completion %, Pass TD, Pass Completions, Pass Attempts.
Pass attempts/yard was hard. I'd like to think Braxton throws it more this year but 5 more per game? I'm on the fence. I like to think Guiton/Jones will get attempts in garbage time taking Braxton's number down.
I think Braxton will have better statistics than Troy this year. However, I don't think he will be as efficient as Troy. He will have better stats because Urbans system will give Braxton more opportunities to rack up stats than Troy got in Tressels offense.
This! I think his stats will be better, because the offense and system are better. I believe Troy was a more polished passer during his Junior year. Though, I am open for Braxton to make similar strides as he did...
Another year of seasoning will probably be needed to fufill his potential, but anything is possible. With the passage of a few years I am still amazed at the progression of Troy's career. Michigan Killer!!!!
"It all goes so fast, and character makes the difference when it's close."
Jesse Owens
12-1? I believe we went 12-0 and they unfortunately decided to cancel the National Championship game that year.
You're partially correct. The game started, Ted Ginn ran the opening kick for a TD, but then injured his ankle. Due to the injury and it being his senior year, the officials THEN decided to cancel the game.
It was Teddy's junior year...
Braxton can undoubtedly can sling it but he has to get better at pre snap reads and going through his progression reads he holds the ball way too long at times. Now i can't say he'll have a better yr than Troy but i do expect him to have a better yr.
When someone shows you who they are believe them! In other words piss a good friend off and see what they really think about you.
Tough comparison to make...two different styles of QBing, two different offensive schemes. Troy in 2006 turned into more of a pocket passer type who happened to be able to run. He didn't run much and I don't think they called any designed runs for him. You know Braxton is going to run for more than 204...he could have that beat by sometime during the second game. I don't know about Braxton matching the passing numbers. Maybe he can get to 2500 yards, but I don't know about 30 TDs.
Class of 2010.
I don't feel comfortable making a comparison, but I do think Braxton has a chance to become a buckeye legend.
Rushing yards yes. Passing yards and passing tds close to troy. As for leadership and beating 12-1, that may be tough to match.
I'am probably a little bias because 2006 (regular season) was probably one of my favorite seasons in my 22 years. I was a sophomore in high school and just loved watching that team. I really don't think Braxton will touch troy's passing stats this year. I do however think that in 2014 his senior year when some of these frosh WR's gain some experience he could have a big senior campaign as long as our O line developers with the replacement of at least 4 guys. Also troy was probably aided by the receivers he had on that team. He had three NFL guys in Ginn, Gonzales, and hall. I love Brown and smith but just not on the same level.
People forget that Troy was a pretty uncomfortable passer his RS Soph year and not great his RS Junior year either. It took 4 years of being in the program before he broke out with maybe the greatest year ever for a tOSU QB. People who say taht Troy was a mroe natural passer than Brax are DEAD wrong and it's not even close. Brax had a more natural motion in HS than Troy had. Both need work and I think Brax will get there.
I'm not sure Brax has a better year this year than Troy had. But I do think if he stays for 2014 he will. Getting comfortable in the pocket, reading defenses, and getting your feet set consistently takes time. I think he has a far better statistical year overall (rushing + passing) but this is because of the offense. I'm more worried about that NC, though.
Ugh, kind of frightening to think that Miller could be gone after this year!!!!
"I'm One Bad Buckeye, and I approve this message."
Better rushing, not better passing. Hope but don't expect it myself.
vacuuming sucks
Braxton is already a better passer then Troy, come on guys!
On a serious note, I don't think Braxton will ever eclipse 30 td passes or be as good in the pocket as Troy was.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
troy had such a good passing year that many had him as a top-10 pick before the florida game. braxton simply doesn't have that ability. that said, in meyer's offense, anything's possible
If Braxton improves to 65% accuracy passing, I'm calling National championship right now
I think you guys are trying to compare Braxton in his first year of Urban's offense with little developed receiving talent to a seasoned Troy Smith with seasoned receivers in Ted Ginn and Co.
This year should be different and I do expect Braxton to exponentially increase his passing stats. The reason being will be more weapons available to him. I really think his passing was hampered because of the lack of a consistent 3rd receiver and even consistent play from his top 2 in Brown and Smith. Now he will have a much more experienced Smith and Brown, a 3rd WR who should be a better weapon and even more pass catchers with speed.
At the beginning of last year Urban said his biggest concern was team speed, especially at receiver. I don't think that is an issue now and with the added experience of last year, Braxton should prove to be a much better passer.
I say he surpasses all stats except the passing TDs but gets close, around 24-25.
Don't expect games like UCF, Cal and Purdue to happen. If anything, all games will be closer to a scoring race than a low scoring effort. I don't see Urban's offense looking like that again for a while.
It isn't a fair comparison for the reasons Squirrel Master stated...
However, I think people forget that Troy was a pretty legit passer, mechanically, by the time he left the program. The knock on Troy was that he had an elongated, over the top motion, that was necessary to make up for his "lack of height"
Braxton has a much more compact motion, but has yet to be able to deliver balls with touch like Troy could, Braxton can throw some lasers but we also saw a lot of his deep throws flutter and/or flat out ducks.
I think the real difference between 06 Troy and 13 Braxton is going to come down to pocket presence, ability to go through a progression, and MOST IMPORTANTLY (for Braxton) is his FOOTWORK.
Braxton is an excellent thrower on the run, but he often times gets happy feet in the pocket and isn't completely settled when throwing. His poor footwork at times, leads to inaccuracy and some flutter post release.
He knows it, so do the coaches, and I expect a HUGE improvement from this year. Troy also suffered from happy feet and when the game slowed down for him, it was money.
Two confounding variables:
Different style of QB
Different performance level of the O-Line
/Duff'd It
A lot of you are going to be surprised what Braxton does this year passing. I'm not saying he'll have more than 3000 yards or be as good as Troy, but he may be close (I'm thinking 2800 and 1400). I could be wrong but the passing yards should be better this year. More familiarity with the offense/WRs. I could also see them and the new additions becoming more dangerous at getting YACs then last year. We only had one pass of over 40 yards and it was a pass to Rod Smith guys. I can't wait for some of you I KNOW EVERYTHING ppl above to come back in mid January to say...oops I was wrong (even though I highly doubt that will happen...most know it alls don't say they were wrong).
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
If Miller throws for 2800 and runs for 1400, we won't be asking how he compares to Troy-we'll be asking "Who will ever be as good as Miller". A year like that probably means two pieces of hardware are coming back to Columbus. One's a bronze statue of a guy with his arm out and another is a clear, crystal ball.
I HOPE Brax has 4200 plus yards next year. I'd love to see that.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
This^^^ I also could see this happening.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
I expect tremendous growth from Braxton's overall game in 2013. I just don't think he'll quite ever be a Troy Smith style QB. He's going to run more. But if his decision making improves, he'll be a true beast...The fact that he will have a large number of playmakers surrounding him in his second year in this offense - those 2 factors alone will equate to huge improvements overall.
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
Maybe. People see Troy's senior year and see the great passer he became. His Soph and Junior years, he showed himself to be the greatest athlete OSU has ever seen at QB (until #2). Braxton is in that mold. What made Troy great was when he went from "Runner who can throw" to "athletic Thrower". When Brax (if Brax) makes that transition, he can put up equal numbers. Anyone can run around and out athlete people, but when a QB knows how to set up defenders and draw them up out of fear of the run only to go over the top and hit a big gainer on a semi busted play-he becomes a great. Miller has to improve his accuracy and that can be taught. What he has-what Troy and Pryor never had-was really elite arm strength. Miller has a rocket...he just needs to find the guidance chips. Braxton, in my opinion, can find himself responsible for 45 TD's next year. Break the numbers out however you want, but Miller can be a better runner than Pryor, a better passer than Troy, and a better both than both. I worry about the number of hits he takes-Pryor had to body to take them and Troy had the knack to always avoid them (save for that one time Tamba Hali.....I just can't talk about it). Miller needs to get hit less. Simple as that.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
Good analysis. I agree with damn near everything, except that it wasn't just that Pryor could take big hits, he knew how to avoid them. It really became evident in his sophomore year, when he learned to stop trying to out-muscle viscious defenders in pursuit of an extra (and usually superfluous) three to five yards, instead gliding out of bounds to avoid contact. As the last few games of the season have shown with Miller, he's getting there--it'll just take some time.
I'm thinking that he'll also be benefiting from a more efficient offense, and won't be as willing to fight for those extra yards, since (hopefully) his team won't be leaning entirely on his playmaking ability. I just hope that he's not as hesitant to take off as he was those last few games, it seems that hit against Purdue shook him up pretty good. But again, his heroics should be needed less, and thusly he should be able to rely more on his arm and the arms of his receivers--with whom he'll have had another offseason to work with. Again, less leaning on Miller should mean that he'll be even more deadly when he's fully utilized--it almost certainly will be less than we did last season, though.
What has to have fans excited though-Carlos Hyde. He grew into his role last year and really became a weapon Meyer could use to save Miller hits and wear down defenses. He can be a really special player, given what he's asked to do. He got better as games, and the season went on. The better he runs, the less Miller has to.
Once Miller is fully in command of the offense, Hyde's consistent, pounding style will only serve to further frustrate defenses because at the end of last year you had two choices-let Hyde 5 yard you to death or take your chances on stopping Miller in a one on one. If Miller develops the ability to be a consistent passing threat, giving OSU's offense three options-defenses nationwide (you too, Nick) should be terrified.
Oh and that Rod Smith fella might have a little to say about next year too. Next year's offense can be down right terrifying.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
just go major goose bumps
"I'm One Bad Buckeye, and I approve this message."
Lets go for exact stats to see how close I can call this one! Please feel free to remember when I end up being wrong so you can all make fun of me. haha
Braxton Miller 2013 predictions:
PASSING: 2,450 yds, 23 TD's, 7 INT, 61%
RUSHING: 768 yds, 15 TD's, 6 yards per carry
POST SEASON AWARDS: Maxwell Award. Finishes 2nd in Heisman voting for some SICK, SEC BIASED, BULL CRAP REASON.
I think Meyer wants to help Miller get the Heisman, he'll probably give Braxton more carries in the redzone
It's 5 o'clock somewhere, & Michigan still sucks
Braxton improves his completion percentage to above 50% or even 60% and the offense will take on a whole new look. He wont need to throw for as many yards as Troy did (I just dont see Herman and Meyer electing to throw as much as Troy did his senior year anyway) but that higher percentage will make him more dangerous in the red zone. I'm guessing (and hoping) Miller throws for a 52-58% completion percentage for 2,000-2,300 yards and 20-23 TD passes and rushes for another 800-1000 yards with another 10-15 scoring runs. Higher production through the air but less exposure to being hit when he runs so he's fresher longer and later in the season. I think we can all agree we don't want to see him take another hit like he did in the Purdue game.
^ Of course this scenario will all mean the other skill players around Braxton take serious steps forward this year to take some of the pressure off Miller. El Guapo running for 1,200-1,500 yards and 20 scores, Philly catching 60-70 balls for more than 800 yards and some serious contributions from D. Smith, C. Smith, R. Smith, Dunn and the freshmen, especially Marshall and Wilson.
"Sherman ran an option play right through the south" - Greatest.Civil.War.Analogy.Ever
Braxton's completion % was 58% in 2012.
I thought he was around 50%, my bad. He needs to be over 60% then. anything less than 57-58% would be a regression.
"Sherman ran an option play right through the south" - Greatest.Civil.War.Analogy.Ever
I think Braxton will have better numbers this year, but it will mostly be due to the style of offense. A Urban Meyer/Tom Herman offense compared to a Jim Tressel/Bollman offense gives Braxton a huge advantage. If Troy was playing in the current offense his numbers probably would have been much better than they were in 2006, even though he had a great year. It's an apples to oranges comparison, but I think they will both go down as having great years regardless.
Braxton has the release point and the arm mechanics that create a nice base to work from. Where ne needed work and made great progress was with his feet. He'll continue that progression this year. I think we'll see him throwing more, and running less over the next 2 years. Thank goodness, too, becuase the kid's body just can't take another 2 years of what he gave us last year. Also, the weapons around him are better. With Marshall, Wilson, and Clark, we just got weapons in the short passing game like we have never seen. Not to mention a TE as athletic as Baugh. We'll see as much East-West as we see North-South. Remember all those frustrating games of getting bubble screened to death? That is what we will be able to do to people. In 2011, I was screaming for someone to come in and get this kid some real coaching, as I could see his potential. What a joy it will be the next 2 years to see it unfold before our very eyes.
If he is going to do it, this is a good way to help get there:
Braxton just confirmed, "My $hit is tight now!"
He could end up with comparable overall stats, but you have to figure Troy only played 3 quarters and sometimes less in the games that season. I think Braxton has a long way to go to get to Troy passing wise, but he could match Troy's Jr Production and I'd be pretty happy with that.
No.
I'll just be happy if Ohio State finds that it has guys like Gonzo, Ginn, Hartline, Ballard, and Robiskie for Brax to throw to.