Just based off of Braxton Miller's skill set, the sophomore quarterback is the ideal player to run Urban Meyer's spread offense.

But based on the spring practice season that the former Florida head coach witnessed, he knows that Miller and the other quarterbacks on the Ohio State roster have to make strides in order for the Buckeyes to have success through the air this fall. And Meyer believes the only way the passing attack can improve is if his signal-callers work hard with their teammates over the summer when the coaching staff isn't around.

ICONBraxton Miller can certainly run, but how good of a passer will he become in Columbus?

In other words, the fate of the offense is in the hands of the quarterbacks.

"[This summer] Braxton Miller and Kenny Guiton have to get our passing game in order for August," Meyer said in a news conference recently. "That's a tall task because it's not very good right now. If they do that — and I understand they are doing it — we have a chance. If not, no chance."

Meyer wasn't around to see Ohio State's anemic passing offense in 2011, but former starter Joe Bauserman and Miller struggled moving the ball consistently through the air, as the team finished 115th nationally while averaging just 127 yards per game. Of course, Meyer's version of the spread is run-heavy, but whoever is at quarterback needs to be able to keep defenses honest and move the chains through the air when necessary. Meyer termed the passing game a “clown show” early in spring practice before improvement was being shown in Week 3.

In the spring games I've seen Guiton play before Meyer's arrival, he was always impressive both moving out of the pocket and throwing the ball down the field. However, Miller's overall running ability — especially what he could be capable of doing on zone read plays — makes him the favorite to keep the starting job.

But it will be interesting to see how both players grow this summer working with their teammates. And whether or not Meyer comes away impressed when fall camp begins.

Email dave.miller@nationalfootballpost.com or follow me on Twitter at Miller_Dave