UPDATE: Braxton Miller Has Sprained MCL; Guiton Impressive In Relief

Sep 7, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller (5) is taken to the locker room after being injured on a play against the San Diego State Aztecs at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State quarterback and Heisman Trophy favorite per Bovada.com odds Braxton Miller left the Buckeyes’ game against San Diego State in the first quarter with an injury.

The junior quarterback was hit simultaneously by two San Diego State defenders. He returned to the sidelines wearing a knee brace in the early second quarter. Cleveland Plain Dealer beat writer Doug Lesmerises reports Ohio State medical staff checked Miller’s left knee in the locker room.

ESPN college football news desk anchor Rece Davis reports that Braxton Miller suffered a sprained MCL. Recovery time for this injury varies, depending on the severity. The Buckeyes face a challenge in Pac-12 opponent Cal next week, return home to host Florida A&M, then open Big Ten Conference play Sept. 28 against three-time defending league champion Wisconsin.

Miller’s dual-threat style of play has left him susceptible to injury in the past. He left a game last year against Purdue with a shoulder injury, and his absence nearly cost the Buckeyes their perfect record. Reserve Kenny Guiton came on to lead OSU to an overtime win in that one, and Guiton came on to engineer two Ohio State scoring drives, including a 27-yard touchdown pass to Philly Brown.

Guiton’s impressive performance in the first half against San Diego State is promising for the Buckeyes, should their Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback be sidelined for any length of time.

Editor’s note: Kenny Guiton corrected.