Season ending shoulder injury. That’s what we were told after Ohio State’s Monday practice. Today we learned that Miller’s injury could take 8-9 months to heal. Yes, Urban Meyer has a penchant for polishing lumps of coal into Heisman-winning diamonds. Yes, Ohio State’s schedule is outrageously easy. But with the BCS eliminated and the formation of a new college football playoff system – the season ending injury means catastrophe not only for OSU but for the entire Big-10 conference.
Braxton Miller was by no means considered a rare NFL talent. He is however considered a collegiate superstar. He was the two-time Big 10 offensive player of the year. He went undefeated in his first season under center, and last year his only losses came at the hands of the Rose Bowl champions Michigan State and against the Clemson Tigers in the Orange Bowl.
Let’s face facts. To make the College Football playoffs you need an undefeated season. Alabama, Georgia, LSU, UCLA, Oregon, Baylor, Michigan State and Florida State are all going to be vying for a spot. WITH Braxton Miller, Ohio State was likely going to have a one or two-loss season. Some possible losses will come at the hands of Cinncinati on September 27th, Penn State on October 25th, and of course Michigan State on November 8th.
What does this mean for the Big 10 as whole though? Poor reputation. If Ohio State’s chances are sparse, Michigan State’s are more so. Their second game of the season is against the Pac 12’s forseen champs, Oregon. Without either team likely to make the playoffs, recruiting in the Big 10 will take a hit for the next season, and funds from the NCAA and its many benefactors will (obviously) not be what they would if either team makes the cut.
No Braxton Miller. No shot. The Midwest will feel this.
