BY RYAN TICE
T
he season-ending injury to starting
quarterback Braxton Miller in August
was supposed to be the blow that brought
an end to Ohio State's reign of domination
under third-year head coach Urban Meyer.
The Buckeyes had not lost a regular-season
contest to a league foe under the former
Florida mentor, but it appeared they were
indeed vulnerable when they fell 35-21 to
Virginia Tech — a team that has gone on to a
5-6 record with just two ACC wins — at the
Horseshoe in the second week of the season.
Miller's replacement, J.T. Barrett, looked
like the redshirt freshman that he is, going
9-of-29 passing with three interceptions.
Sophomore Ezekiel Elliot, who was expected
to fill the shoes of 1,500-yard rusher Carlos
Hyde, also struggled and gained just 32
yards.
The young duo has figured it out since
that weekend in early September, helping
the offense back to the prolific pace it has
maintained under Meyer. Barrett has matched
Drew Brees' Big Ten record for touchdown
responsibility with 42 scores, a figure that
has him tied with Oregon Heisman Trophy
candidate Marcus Mariota for the most in
the Football Bowl Subdivision. Barrett has
proven to be the passer critics always hoped
Miller would become, setting program
marks for touchdown throws (33) and total
NOV. 26, 2014
In three seasons at Ohio State, head
coach Urban Meyer has compiled a record
of 34-3, including 23-0 in regular-season
Big Ten games.
PHOTO COURTESY OHIO STATE
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