Tristan Thompson, Cavs fail to reach extension agreement
November 1, 2014LeBron debuts “HRT of Lion” 12s with message to newborn daughter
November 1, 2014In case anyone forgot, J.T. Barrett is a redshirt freshman with just seven collegiate starts to his name. On Saturday night in State College, the youngster reminded everyone of his yout—yet his Ohio State Buckeyes still found a way to win. Survive and advance indeed.
Barrett’s line—12 of 19 for 74 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions—reminds everyone that players like Jameis Winston and Johnny Manziel are the exception to the redshirt freshman quarterback rule. He did add 75 yards on the ground, but that came on 20 carries for a pedestrian 3.8-yard average. Ezekiel Elliott was a bit better at 109 yards on 26 carries, but Tom Herman’s playcalling against the Nittany Lions featured far too many runs that went nowhere. The offensive line got little push against a strong Penn State defense.
Barrett’s line reminds everyone that players like Jameis Winston and Johnny Manziel are the exception to the redshirt freshman quarterback rule.
In the last two games the defense has done their part. Unfortunately, it’s becoming more and more clear that the offense can perform at a high level against weaker opponents but struggles when faced with a tough environment and defense.
Luckily, this week brings another Big Ten basement dweller in Illinois, owners of a 4-4 record, which might actually misrepresent how poorly they have played this season. Assuming Barrett’s sprained MCL is as minor as the quarterback and Meyer have made it sound, expect the quarterback and the rest of the Buckeye offense to get back on track. Hopefully that success will carry through to next week when Urban Meyer takes his team to East Lansing for the game that will determine the success or failure of the 2014 Buckeyes.