GAME PREVIEW: HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MEYER ERA BEGINS SATURDAY

Urban Meyer
(TBT/Lee Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Ever since Urban Meyer was a very young child growing up in northern Ohio he envisioned that one day he would lead the Ohio State football team onto the field of battle as the Buckeyes' head coach — just like his idol, Woody Hayes.

Well, this Saturday at Ohio Stadium that childhood dream will become reality, as the 18th-ranked Meyer-led Buckeyes host Miami University in the 2012 season opener.

THE EVOLUTION OF BRAXTON MILLER; HOWARD BACK TO LONE STARTER

Braxton Miller
(TBT/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer likes using excuses about as much as a 10-year old enjoys going to the dentist for a tooth extraction.

But when asked if Buckeyes' quarterback Braxton Miller's shaky season in 2011 could be attributed to being a true freshman, Meyer sort of reached for his metaphoric tooth elevator and forceps. I emphasize the words, "sort of."

"It's not an excuse, it's real," Meyer said. "You look at the evolution of Braxton Miller. He came into spring practice (last year) to be behind Terrelle Pryor. All of a sudden, bang, that's gone.

COREY LINSLEY IS MOST IMPROVED BUCKEYE ACCORDING TO MEYER

Corey Linsley

COLUMBUS — Usually when Ohio State football fans ask about the outlook for this year's team, the first question almost always is on the progression of sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller.

In my opinion, he's the most visually improved player on the team. His passing mechanics are light years ahead of where they were in his freshman campaign. His leadership skills have dramatically changed becoming a more vocal, verbally passionate player on the field and on the sideline. And his comfort-level in the new spread offense is ... well, like a baby curled up in its mother's arms.

CULTURE AT OHIO STATE HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY

Urban Meyer
(The Buckeye Times/Lee Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Every time Urban Meyer speaks you can't help but notice the dramatic change in culture within the Ohio State football program.

Where former Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel always kept things even keeled, Meyer is all about intensity — and 100-percent pure bluntness.

When asked Monday if he uses last season's woes to get his team motivated, the new Buckeyes' boss didn't pull any punches with his answer.

QUICK NOTES FROM OHIO STATE FOOTBALL PRACTICE TUESDAY

MILLER LOOKS SHARP TUESDAY ... It is obvious the moment you see Miller deliver a pass in practice that he's been working diligently over the summer soaking in the coaching from Meyer and offensive coordinator/QB coach Tom Herman.

Miller's passes in Tuesday's practice were all tight and crisp. In fact, every toss seemed to have been thrown with authority and confidence. Even his misses looked good ... if that's possible?

THOMAS IS GOING TO BE IN THE MIX ... True freshman Michael Thomas looks — to this writer — like the best wide receiver on the team. His movements are fluid, his instincts are that of a play-maker and his athleticism is unmatched on the current roster.

Although he was running with the second-team for most of practice Tuesday, he did make play after play in 7-on-7 and live scrimmage drills ... just like he did in the spring game when he hauled in a game-high 12 receptions for 131 yards.

PLAY OF THE DAY ... Cornerback Bradley Roby made an incredible over the shoulder interception of Miller on a deep pass down the left sideline — intended for Devin Smith — in the live scrimmage at the end of practice.

URBAN MEYER PUTTING PRESSURE ON YOUNG LEADER BRAXTON MILLER

Braxton Miller
TBT/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

COLUMBUS — During last football season, the Ohio State coaching staff handled quarterback Braxton Miller with kid gloves ... and that's putting it lightly.

I mean, they were like the parents who follow close behind their child with a box of tissues, anti-bacterial soap, ouchless band-aids, a helmet, knee pads and a plastic bubble.

Well, new Buckeyes head football coach Urban Meyer has a totally different approach to parenting with the sophomore signal caller.