COLLEGE PLAYER NEWS

No QB controversy at Ohio State — for now

The Sports Xchange

November 10, 2014 at 4:08 pm.

 

J.T. Barrett (16) has the Ohio State offense running wide open. (Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, after previously backing Braxton Miller as his starter when he returns from a shoulder injury, has softened his stance because quarterback J.T. Barrett is playing at such a high level this season.

Miller suffered a shoulder injury in August and he’s still facing a long rehabilitation process. Barrett picked up where Miller left off and has the Buckeyes in the thick of the College Football Playoff conversation.

There’s no quarterback controversy this year, but next season could be a different story.

“Competition brings out the best, and I’m really excited to have two really good quarterbacks next year,” Meyer said Monday during his weekly news conference. “That’s the plan. “I think they’re both excellent quarterbacks. Excellent quarterbacks. And we’ll worry about that day when it comes.

“We’re very fortunate to have those guys.”

Barrett, a redshirt freshman, clearly has taken command of Ohio State’s high-scoring offense.

Barrett threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more as Ohio State scored at will against Michigan State for a 49-37 win Saturday night, moving the Buckeyes to 8-1 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten.

Ohio State came into the game ranked No. 14 by the playoff committee. The Spartans (7-2) were No. 8.

Miller is a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. He re-injured his throwing shoulder in training camp and has said he plans to return to the Buckeyes.

“Braxton is our quarterback,” Meyer said on Sept. 30.

Since then, Barrett has emerged as one of the best in the nation, completing 64 percent of his passes for 2,156 yards and 26 touchdowns and rushing for 582 yards and eight more scores.

“J.T.’s made incredible jumps as far as how he handles his business and accuracy of passing last week was fantastic,” Meyer said. “But his biggest jump is just being the manager. He does a good job getting us in the right play. He understands defenses really well now. And his accuracy, when he’s accurate, that’s a tough one to stop. He’s a very intellectual quarterback.”