Ohio State Can Win Without Heisman Hopeful Braxton Miller

For the second straight game, the Ohio State Buckeyes had to try their luck without their star and Heisman-hopeful quarterback, Braxton Miller. The junior has been out out for the better part of two weeks due to an apparent leg injury that he suffered in week two against the San Diego State Aztecs.

Miller completed 2-2 passes for 30 yards and ran once for five yards before leaving the game for good. Buckeye faithful were watching in agony as their star quarterback was carted to the locker room, to return only to the sidelines later in the game, making way for senior Kenny Guiton.

People began to question the likelihood of this team making it through the season if, somehow, the Buckeyes’ best player couldn’t return to action. However, that’s not the case as Miller is likely to return next week against Florida A&M — but in reality, it wouldn’t hurt to sit him one more week until he’s fully healthy.

Traveling to California on Saturday evening to take on the Cal Golden Bears, one thing was on the mind of many heading into play: can the Buckeyes win without Braxton?

The answer? Yes.

Guiton has shown, once again, that he can fill in adequately if Miller is ever injured. In fact, he might be the best backup quarterback in the conference, if not the country. Passing for 276 yards on 66 percent completions and four touchdowns against Cal was impressive. Even more impressive was his ability to create plays with his legs. The underrated senior gunslinger ran the ball 14 times for 92 yards as well.

There’s no doubt that Guiton could start on most teams in college football, but he happens to play on the same team as a Heisman candidate. In fact, on the year, Guiton has 449 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception. He has completed over 67 percent of his passes in fill-in work and also run for 181 yards and a score — 7.5 yards per carry.

Guiton is good. Miller is good. Ohio State is good.

This team would be just fine without Braxton.

Related: No Braxton Miller, No Problem

Early Hole Too Deep to Recover By Cal Bears

Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at .