How the National Media Could Push Braxton Miller to FSU

Examining how the national media’s discussion of Jameis Winston’s top billing in the 2015 NFL Draft could result in the transfer of Braxton Miller to FSU.

Ohio State was included among several people’s inaugural College Football Playoff predictions, and the Buckeyes have not disappointed. Not only did the Big Ten champs make the Playoff, they beat heavily favored Alabama to advance to the title game against Oregon. This wouldn’t have raised many eyebrows before the season. After all, Ohio State was going to be led by Heisman Trophy candidate Braxton Miller.

Until, of course, Miller got hurt, at which point freshman J.T. Barrett filled in, and did so quite impressively. But the Buckeyes’ hopes seemed dashed yet again when Barrett went down. Enter Cardale Jones, who authored a jaw-dropping blowout win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game and the victory over the Tide. With days left until the Playoff concludes, Miller suddenly finds himself in an interesting position, possibly behind two underclassmen.

Another school many had in the Playoff was Florida State, and, as was the case with the Buckeyes, the quarterback position was a big reason why. Jameis Winston brought the Seminoles to the promised land following his second-straight undefeated season, but following the Seminoles’ loss to the aforementioned Ducks, Winston chose to forego his remeining eligibility and declare for the 2015 NFL Draft.

Which brings us to today, and the possible future intersection of the Ohio State and Florida State programs, as Miller decides if he’ll transfer to FSU to compete for Winston’s old job. Fo what it’s worth, Miller has already followed a number of current and former ‘Noles on Twitter, including Darnell Dockett, Karlos Williams, DeMarcus Walker, Jesus “Bobo” Wilson, and Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield. But social media actions aside, there may well be a more tangible factor pushing Miller toward Tallahassee– and it comes right back to Winston.

Florida State, after all, was Winston’s ticket to the Heisman Trophy and national championship Miller seeks, and, perhaps more important to Miller’s long-term prospects, Jimbo Fisher may prove the key to becoming the top pick in the draft.

At least that’s what most of the talking heads are saying. The national media has changed its tune significantly with regard to the Winston vs. Marcus Mariota debate as the top pick. While many lauded Mariota throughout his stellar 2014 season, Winston is now typically seen as somewhat of a given to go first overall to the Tampa Bay Bucs, even by his former critics.

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Why? Because Winston excelled in Jimbo Fisher’s pro-style offense that requires a quarterback to anticipate receivers getting open by reading the defense, anticipating a break, and throwing to a spot where his receiver will be. It’s a daunting task that requires not just phenomenal ability but also immense intelligence– exactly what pro scouts want in a signal caller. If Miller has paid any attention, whatsoever, to the national media since Winston declared, he’s heard just this, over and over– and how Winston does it better than anyone, again, because it was required of him under Fisher.

Make no mistake about it: Miller’s is not a decision solely about 2015. It’s a call about the 2016 draft, his future, and the millions of dollars the right choice could produce. And finishing his career at Florida State is looking increasingly like the option that best facilitates this fate.

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