Both players have been listed on ESPN’s Heisman Watch at one point or another, and both are currently listed on Sports Illustrated’s Heisman Watch list — Miller at No. 5 and Bell at No. 9.

The two will take the field 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Spartan Stadium. Miller and Bell have been the marquee players for their respective teams this season but both will face a challenge this weekend as they square off against two of the nation’s top defensive units.

The winner likely will take the lead over the other for the Big Ten’s Heisman hopes while the other will find himself playing catchup for the remainder of the regular season.

Braxton Miller
Sophomore quarterback
Huber Heights, Ohio

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 220 pounds

Hardware: 2011 Big Ten Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year.

Key stat: 11.5 points scored per game (seventh in NCAA)

Signature Game: California (W, 35-28) 16-for-30 passing for 249 yards and four touchdowns. Rushed 12 times for 75 yards and one touchdown.

Scouting report: “He’s like a tailback in the backfield that can throw it. He runs with power. He’s a spin runner, which means he’ll spin on contact. He’ll juke if you set up on him a little bit. He brings a different dynamic to the football game.” ­— Mark Dantonio, MSU head coach

Le’Veon Bell
Junior running back
Columbus, Ohio

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 244 pounds

Hardware: Two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week in 2012.

Key stat: 152.5 rushing yards per game (third in NCAA)

Signature game: Boise State (W, 17-13) 44 carries for 210 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Recorded six catches for 55 yards.

Scouting report: “He reminds me of (former Wisconsin Badger) Ron Dayne, even more athletic. A guy that’s extremely powerful, times up his blocks very well and runs through tackles. You see athleticism that usually people that size don’t have.” — Urban Meyer, OSU head coach