Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHICAGO — When Urban Meyer talks about his Ohio State Buckeyes, he likes to quote the alphabet.

The Buckeyes’ success depends on, A. quarterback Braxton Miller; B. the offensive line; and C. the pass defense.

And Meyer uses the entire alphabet when talking about Miller whose health is the major concern. Last season, Miller missed three games early last season but still returned against Wisconsin in game five and went on to be named the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Speaking at Monday’s annual Big Ten Conference media day, Meyer said protecting Miller is of the utmost concern.

“Concern number one. I mean that’s it. There’s a bunch of concerns you always have. It’s A through F, A through Z, A through X, whatever it is,” said Meyer.

“But the number one on the list is development of the offensive line for the reasons you just said, among many others. You want to win that game, but protecting our quarterback is paramount. So that’s — I don’t want to say that’s all our focus — but that’s where a lot of our focus is right now.”

So will the offensive line be able to protect Miller? Meyer says yes, but there is some wavering in his choice of words.

Meyer said the two areas of concern are the offensive line number one and pass defense number two.

“I was a little disappointed what happened in spring (practice). We just didn’t see the growth that we would like to see,” said Meyer. “However, I really admire our coach, Coach (Ed) Warinner, and I know we have good players, so they’ve had a very good summer.”

Some of the key offensive linemen are Jacoby Boren, Chad Lindsay and Billy Price. Meyer said they are three talented players.

“Chad is — all I know of what I’ve seen — he’s a tough guy, he’s a hard worker, and he has a lot of experience. That’s why we took him. Normally, we don’t get involved in those type of things, but we needed some maturity in the center of the offensive line,” said Meyer.

Which brings us to the pass defense, something that was a sore spot last season.

“We completely have blown up and started from scratch. It’s an area that we were not very strong in,” said Meyer.

“Chris Ash has done an admirable job installing a brand-new pass defense that’ we’re going to test and see how it goes during training camp. It went very well during the spring.”

One facet of the Ohio State offensive game that needs to go on the alphabet list are the letters R and B for running back.

Gone is big, strong and powerful Carlos Hyde who was the league’s best runner last season. Even with the loss of Hyde, Meyer hopes to cut Miller’s rushing attempts to help keep the quarterback healthy.

“We have much more balance than we’ve been. Everyone’s looking for a 50-50 ratio (run to pass). We’ve been close a few times,” said Meyer who reflected on his days at Florida.

“When Alex Smith was our quarterback, we were pretty close to 50-50. With Chris Leak, I want to say we were pretty close. With Tim (Tebow) we were pretty close to I think 60-40, 65.”

Meyer expects receivers such as Philly Brown, Evan Spencer, Devin Smith and tight ends Jeff Heuerman and Nick Vannett to be improved and help take some of the load off Miller.

“We have to be (better),” said Meyer. “That’s where we’re going to pick up those yards by getting the ball in the hands of Dontre Wilson and Jalin Marshall and the outside receivers as well.”

If the pass defense improves, Meyer said it will mesh with a strong defensive line and talented linebacking corps.

“Linebackers are one of our stronger groups. It’s the best the groups been right now. And that’s just as far as chemistry, as far as trust, as far as operating as a unit. So I’m anxious to see them play,” said Meyer.

The linebackers in the mix are Dante Booker, Raekwon McMillian, Kyle Berger, Sam Hubbard, Josh Perry and Curtis Grant. Meyer said Hubbard may move back to tight end.

“It’s about time we played linebacker ball, linebacker play the way Ohio State is used to. I think you’re going to see it this year,” said Meyer.

Ohio State was 12-0 in the regular season last year and won the East Division only to lose to Michigan State in the Big Ten championship game. The Buckeyes then lost to Clemson in the Orange Bowl.

Meyer said this season will be an even tougher challenge.

“I think (the East Division) is one of the toughest divisions in college football. Once again, you just have to look at the recruiting that takes place at the schools and then the style of defense and offense. It’s a rugged conference,” said Meyer.