Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller is widely considered a prominent contender for the 2013 Heisman Trophy.
That status was threatened on Saturday when the junior signal-caller was carted off the field in the AP No. 3 Buckeyes’ game against San Diego State with a knee injury.
It turned out to be a mild setback, though, and not one serious enough to derail what should be an extremely successful season for Miller.
As B/R’s Lead Writer for Sports Medicine Will Carroll alluded to, Miller suffered a sprained MCL but was still able to test its limits on the sidelines:
Miller was hit on a five-yard run up the middle in the first quarter against the Aztecs in Ohio Stadium. His helmet popped off, too, which only added to the scare.
However, head coach Urban Meyer stated that Miller could have played through the slight sprain if he had to, the Buckeyes just decided to sit him the rest of the game, per CBSSports.com’s Tom Fornelli.
That was a wise decision from a coaching standpoint—and it works out perfectly with regard to the short-term and future scope of Miller’s Heisman pursuit.
Putting up big numbers is a big part of what earns a player the accolade. Doing so in the face of top-notch competition, though, is of optimal importance.
Before leaving Saturday’s contest, Miller had completed his only two passes for 30 yards and had the aforementioned rushing attempt. The meat of the Big 10 schedule will be what truly determines Miller’s Heisman fate.
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Continue Reading: Braxton Miller’s Knee Injury Should Not Impact Heisman Trophy Campaign
