Buckeyes’ QB Miller says he is ‘full go’

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

When Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller first was hurt in Saturday’s game against Purdue, he didn’t know what to think.

He’d never before been thrown down on his head and neck.

“I didn’t know what it was,” he said of his injury. “I was just a little bit dizzy from the hit, whiplash. So they sent me to the hospital to see what it was.”

Tests determined that Miller, a sophomore who ranks among the top rushers in the nation, did not have a concussion or any other serious injury. He was cleared to return to practice immediately. The only lingering problem has been a slightly sore neck.

“No. 5 is doing good,” coach Urban Meyer said after Ohio State’s Wednesday practice. “Full-speed practices really yesterday and today. Sore neck, but today’s much better. He lifted [weights] and he’s good to go.”

Miller was tackled from behind by Purdue defensive back Josh Johnson late in the third quarter of No. 9 Ohio State’s home game. He was thrown hard to the turf, had difficulty getting up, and then had to be carted off the field.

“It was just one of those type hits you clench your eyes,” Miller said.

The ninth-ranked Buckeyes trailed 20-14 when he left. Backup Kenny Guiton threw an interception and the Ohio State offense surrendered a safety, but Guiton led a last-minute, 61-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown pass and two-point conversion pass with 3 seconds left to force overtime.

The Buckeyes (8-0, 4-0 Big Ten) ended up pulling out an improbable 29-22 win.

In the hospital, Miller was trying to find out how his teammates were doing.

“I just kept asking the nurse. (She’d say), ‘I don’t know. We’re working on you,’ ” he said with a laugh. “I just kept asking and they finally told me.”

Miller has been receiving daily rehab of massage, stretching, ice and anti-inflammatories for a sore neck. Other than that, he says he’s 100 percent.

Meyer said Miller is not under any limitations for Saturday’s big showdown against Penn State (5-2, 3-0). He is listed as the starter.

“I’d say I’m full go,” Miller said.