(Ok, ok - not really "with", but more like "near")

My long drive to Columbus for THE GAME filled my mind with such questions as to how OSU redshirt freshman QB J.T. Barrett would do in his first battle with That Team Up North. JT was the key in my mind to ultimately deciding the outcome of this all-consuming rivalry. The number of upsets and disappointments on both sides of this rivalry for the ages litter the football annals. Would the pressure of THE GAME be too much? Would he be the calm, cool, collected QB he was against a heavily favored Michigan State team just a few weeks earlier? Would there be the distraction of the Big Ten Championship a week ahead or the push for a berth in the new college football playoff?

JT walks from Skull Session to the 'Shoe pregame.

Fast forward to the pregame rituals... My path first crossed with JT as the team left the jam packed St. John Arena, where they participated in the OSU Band's energizing Skull Session to make the walk thru the gathered throng of well-wishers over to the hallowed Horseshoe. While a lot of QBs in this day and age are doing everything to call attention to themselves on and off the field, JT is barely recognizable under his stocking cap on the chilly morning. He looked focused and under control on the short walk with his teammates across the street to the Stadium. Not what you'd expect from a rising Heisman candidate.

JT readies to throw a TD pass to Nick Vannett

As for the action itself in front of nearly 109,000 mostly scarlet-clad folks, it was a mixed bag early with JT missing a few open receivers and connecting on a TD pass to TE Nick Vannett. That TD broke the Big Ten record of Drew Brees for "Most TDs responsible for in a season". It was a sleepy first half for the most part until the final drive of the half, where JT slowly took over THE GAME. That drive ended with a weaving 25 yard run by JT that left UM star LB Jake Ryan grasping at air and bringing the 'Shoe back to life by tying THE GAME with a huge TD. His speed continues to catch people off guard while he is nimble enough to make people miss.

The second half started with another burst of JT, as he threw a perfect pass to #9 Devin Smith for 52 yards to the UM 2 yard line. This set up JT's last TD of the season - a 2 yard run on the next play, outracing everyone to the left orange pylon at the goal line.

OSU Medical Staff tends to JT on the field

JT carted off the field, right leg in air cast

The 4th quarter started with HUSH falling over the new record crowd. JT had a short run for no gain, but his right leg buckled awkwardly beneath him. The replays showed an ankle pointing in a direction that an ankle shouldn't. The cart took him quickly to the locker room and instead of quickly heading off to the hospital to begin work on his ankle, JT quietly snuck back into the SE corner of the 'Shoe on crutches to watch his teammates finish off the Wolverines.

The season that previously hung in the balance when 1st string QB Braxton Miller, 9th in last year's Heisman voting, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. JT stepped up and helped lead the way for a young team that is still growing and developing on every level this season. His class, leadership, feet and arm all are better than expected, earlier than expected. Heal quickly JT. Thanks for making this season worth watching. We can't wait to see what lies ahead for you and the team.

JT snuck back into the stadium to watch his teammates

Unfair as it may be, now it is time for Cardale Jones to step up and follow JT's lead...

#12 Cardale Jones emerges from the tunnel pre-game

Thanks,

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