Ohio State Bold Predictions Against Indiana
By Eric Pitcher
![GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Ohio State Buckeyes players link arms after the Clemson Tigers beat the Ohio State Buckeyes 31-0 to win the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Ohio State Buckeyes players link arms after the Clemson Tigers beat the Ohio State Buckeyes 31-0 to win the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b1c51f430fcdf562f213d5e390692ba5ae29ae1301cdb8bd8c013fcdf13481ac.jpg)
3. J.T. Barrett emerges as the Heisman favorite
For the first time in Ohio State history the Buckeyes have a three-time captain, and there’s a reason for that.
J.T. Barrett is a fifth-year senior who has shown exactly why he should be in consideration for the Heisman trophy.
Back in 2014 Barrett showed he could be not only one of the best college quarterbacks in the nation but he can also be one of the best college football players in the nation. Before Barrett went down with an injury in the last game of the season, he was sure to finish in the top of the voting for Heisman. Even after an injury, Barrett still managed to finish fifth.
In 2015, Barrett had to compete for a spot with Cardale Jones. The 2016 campaign marked the first Barrett was the definitive starter, but he was plagued by inconsistency. It didn’t help he had spotty receivers. Now in 2017, the receiving corps has a lot more upside, the offensive line is a little more epxerienced and overall, the Buckeyes are a better team.
Indiana will be Barrett’s first shot to prove to everyone that he means business and deserves to leave the gate as the Hesiman favorite.
With that said, Indiana’s defense is not to be taken for granted. Last season, the Hoosiers defense moved up 76 spots to 45 in total defense. In 2017 they are aiming to have a top 25 defense. Led by pre-season All-American Tegray Scales, the Hoosiers feel as if they have something to prove.
They may feel like that, but against the Buckeyes, they are not going to be able to do so. There is no reason why Barrett should not be able to tear up this defense. Expect Barrett to throw for right around 300 yards and about 3 touchdowns. Barrett is also one of the best running quarterbacks in college football, which is why he is going to run for over 100 yards and another score.