Ohio State Football: QB JT Barrett is ‘Simply the Best’
Ohio State QB JT Barrett is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
Every college football season there are a few players who garner national attention with their outstanding runs, throws or catches that are shown on Sports Center. A guy like Ohio State quarterback JT Barrett, who is efficient but not always spectacular, will lead his team to victories but often flies somewhat under the radar. However, after his performance versus Penn State on Saturday, some are beginning to realize that Barrett is “Simply the Best” player in college football.
I am glad others are coming over to that correct way of thinking after Barrett’s phenomenal play during the Buckeyes’ fourth quarter comeback against the Nittany Lions. But I still wonder why it took them so long to realize just how terrific a player he is. His stats alone should have made people take notice.
JT has completed 170 of 245 passes (69.4 percent) for 2,155 yards and 25 touchdowns with 1 interception this season. He has also rushed for 465 yards and 5 scores. And those stats include Barrett’s sub par games the first two weeks of the season when he and Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson were learning how to work together.
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Since the loss to Oklahoma, his stats are off the chart. During the last six games Barrett has completed 132 passes in 176 attempts (75 percent) for 1,679 yards, 22 touchdowns and hasn’t thrown an interception. He has rushed for 327 yards and 4 touchdowns as well.
The Buckeye offense is averaging 50.8 points a game during the six game winning streak. That has raised Ohio State’s season average to 46.3 ppg which is the second best in the country.
Prior to the Penn State game it didn’t look as though Barrett was a serious contender for the Heisman Trophy. Even though he has been playing at such a high level this season, he didn’t have one of those Heisman moments that catches everyone’s attention.
Now he has had one, and if he continues his stellar play he may be invited to the Trophy ceremony in New York following the season. You know JT would love that, but that’s not what is on his mind at the moment.
Next: Who has the lead in the Heisman Trophy race?
See, it’s Tuesday and he is only concerned with two things right now. How he can improve his own play, and what he needs to do to lead Ohio State to a victory over Iowa on Saturday. And that mindset, to go along with his terrific talent, is why JT Barrett is ‘Simply the Best’ player in college football.