Ohio State vs. Penn State recap: Business as usual for Braxton Miller despite injury concerns

Only one week following a stay in the hospital, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller once again took the field, running through the opposing defense as usual with 134 yards and two touchdowns in the Buckeyes' win over Penn State, 35-23.

Miller suffered an apparent head and shoulder injury last week against the Purdue Boilermakers, but he returned to practice midweek and started Sunday. Miller has started all nine games for the Buckeyes, passing for 1,527 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushing for 1,093 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The Buckeyes have gone only as far as Miller would take them this 2012 season, but Miller's ability to lead was uncertain following his most recent injury. Luke Zimmermann of SB Nation's Ohio State blog, Land-Grant Holyland, writes that Miller put all concerns to rest Saturday as he could not be contained by Penn State.

Many (especially in and around Central Ohio) had plenty of valid reason for trepidation with respect to Braxton Miller's overall health going into one of the biggest games of the season for Ohio State. After suffering all intents and purposes whip lash a week prior after a brutal tackle by Purdue corner Josh Johnson, Braxton Miller entered Saturday night's clash with a number of questions surrounding how effective he would be. It took a while for Miller to get into a comfort zone and display his usual brilliance, but once he did, there was no stopping the Buckeyes prolific sophomore.

Ohio State's perfect 9-0 record will not culminate in a bowl game for the Buckeyes as they are ineligible for postseason play in 2012. However, the players are not restricted from postseason accolades, and Miller's outstanding season has him as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

Braxton Miller and Ohio State take on the University of Illinois next Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.