QB Quandary in Ohio- Part I- Braxton Miller out for season!

A day of quarterback issues in Ohio as Braxton Miller of the Ohio State Buckeyes re-injured his shoulder in practice and ended his 2014 senior season along with news up I-71 North in Cleveland as head coach Mike Pettine selected Brian Hoyer over Johnny Manziel as the Browns starter in Pittsburgh for opening day...

I'll be back later today or tonight with some thoughts on the Hoyer vs Manziel decision,but for now I'll start with some thoughts on the Buckeyes and the devastating injury to Braxton Miller

Braxton Miller's shoulder injury not only ended a run at the Heisman Trophy,but may have ended the hopes for Ohio State to make the first ever college football playoffs.
Miller did announce plans to attend graduate school and apply for a medical redshirt which will allow him to return for a senior season in 2015.
Now that any question of Miller's return later in the season is off the table and that everyone knows that the 2015 Buckeyes will be Miller's team,the big question is how this loss will affect the 2014 squad.

My answer?
A lot and yet a little.
J.T, Barrett enters the Buckeye corral high on the saddle a year earlier than expected,but Barrett was a highly touted recruit out of Texas,so this isn't exactly Joe Bauserman II that we will be seeing in Columbus.
Barrett runs and throws well,at least that's been reported anyway,although expecting him to be Braxton Miller's equal as an athlete is asking a lot.
Barrett will have to learn on the job and there will be some learning to do especially with an offensive line in the midst of retooling,however I have some hope.
The second game against Virginia Tech won't be an easy one,but the game is in Columbus and the Hokies are not quite what they were when the game was scheduled,so that one could be one that the team slips by with.
Cincinnati two weeks later might not be easy either,but then the schedule lightens as Barrett gains experience.
Penn State,despite their restrictions,won't be easy under the circumstances under James Franklin and the biggest game on the schedule (talent wise) is on the road in East Lansing against Michigan State.
The michigan game is at home and the Buckeyes gain from that,but by that time,Barrett will not really a freshman at all.

The loss of Braxton Miller likely means the Buckeyes will lose a game,maybe even two that they would not have with him,but the overall difference is likely between 12-0 (possible under Miller) and say 10-2 or 9-3 with Barrett,but looking for a bright side.
If Miller returns for 2015,the offensive line has had a year to mature and jell and then Braxton Miller returns and the 2015 Buckeyes might be the top team in the land.
Add to that,the year of experience for Barrett for 2016 and there are some things to be gained,although of course, one would rather see Miller going right now.
A huge loss and setback for national title hopes and maybe even Big 10 hopes,but I wouldn't count this team quite,especially for Big 10 championships.

Back later or from work with my take on the Hoyer vs Manziel battle in Cleveland.