OSU’s dual-threat QB to test Hoosier defense

Missouri’s James Franklin had 404 total yards.

Illinois’s Nathan Scheelhaase had 495.

Michigan’s Devin Gardner — 584.

In addition to prolific yardage figures, the three quarterbacks had a combined 11 total touchdowns against IU.

This season IU has struggled against mobile quarterbacks. At 3:30 p.m. Saturday on ABC, IU might have its toughest test to date with Ohio State’s Braxton Miller.

“He’s a Heisman caliber quarterback,” junior cornerback Tim Bennett said. “We have to do a great job of watching film and seeing his tendencies.”

When the Hoosiers (4-6, 2-4) venture into “the Horseshoe” to play the No. 3 Buckeyes (10-0, 6-0), they will be underdogs.

As of Thursday afternoon, Ohio State is favored by 34 points by several betting establishments on yahoo.com.

Miller, a junior from Huber Heights, Ohio, is third in the conference in total offense, averaging 258 yards per game.

His Buckeye unit is first in the Big Ten in total offense (537 yards a game), scoring offense (49 points a game), first downs (27 a game), third down conversion rate (52 percent), rushing offense (315 yards a game) and passer efficiency (164.6).

Miller has been prolific on the ground. In Ohio State Coach Urban Meyer’s spread offense, Miller is averaging 74 rushing yards a game, second on the team.

“He is a tremendous runner,” IU Coach Kevin Wilson said. “And can beat you with his arm with some great guys with a great challenge for defenses.”

Ohio State’s up-tempo offense reminds Defensive Coordinator Doug Mallory of his own team’s offense.

“Spread, up-tempo, very dangerous,” Mallory said. “They’re very well coached, so it’ll be a great challenge for us this week.”

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound quarterback doesn’t make many mistakes. He has just three interceptions versus 17 touchdowns. His touchdown-to-interception ratio of 5.7-to-1 is only bested by his backup, senior Kenny Guiton.

Guiton saw playing time after Miller was sidelined with a knee injury. Now Miller is back and wreaking havoc on the Big Ten.

Ohio State averaged 60 points in their last three games. Now they will face IU’s defense, the conference’s worst in scoring defense, pass defense and run defense.

Freshman defensive lineman Darius Latham said Miller isn’t different from any other mobile quarterback they’ve faced this year. He doesn’t get caught up in the hype.

“I just take it as another player,” he said. “I really ain’t worried too much about it.”

Follow football reporter Evan Hoopfer on Twitter @EvanHoopfer.