Braxton Miller’s returning, but Urban Meyer wants Kenny Guiton on the field, too

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller is listed as probable for Saturday’s game against Florida A&M, but Kenny Guiton played so well in Miller’s absence that Urban Meyer may have plans to play both moving forward.

Miller missed most of the last two games with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee. Guiton, a senior, took his place and performed more than ably, completing 40 of 60 passes for 448 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Buckeyes to wins over San Diego State and California.

It’s Meyer’s policy that a starter can’t lose his job and he confirmed that Miller will retain his starting title, but he is clearly intrigued by the possibility of using Guiton, too, maybe even in conjunction with Miller.

“We’re in conversation about that right now,” Meyer said. “If (Guiton’s) one of the best 11, you have an obligation to get him on the field a little bit.”

One element that Guiton brings to the table is his ability to run the option. The option, Meyer said, is not Miller’s forte.

“Kenny is a natural option quarterback, Braxton is not quite as natural pitching the ball. I would say that’s probably the one area that Kenny excels at,” Meyer said. “In the last two games, we’ve ran more option than we’ve run in a long time.”

However he is used, Meyer said Guiton has ‘earned some time’. Meyer has a history of finding unique ways to use hybrid-type players -- see what he did with Percy Harvin and Aaron Hernandez while at Florida. One of the side benefits of Miller’s injury is that Guiton’s performance in his stead might’ve opened the door for a new wrinkle to emerge in the Ohio State offense. Meyer seems dead-set on using him in some capacity.

“If you can buy stock, buy stock in Kenny Guiton,” Meyer said.

Having two guys who can run and pass in the same backfield would not be fun to defend. The rest of the Big Ten is keeping a close eye on this development, I’m sure.