COLUMBUS, Ohio — It was 10 years ago that Troy Smith started in his first Ohio State-Michigan game, totaling 386 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-21 Buckeyes victory. A decade later, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner will see his name and number enshrined inside of Ohio Stadium, during a halftime ceremony at this year’s edition of The Game.
It’s a fitting tribute for Smith, who built so much of his storied Ohio State legacy in three games against “That Team Up North.” But as Smith reaps the rewards of his success in one of college football’s most historic rivalries, the Buckeyes’ current quarterback will be just midway through his first showdown with the Wolverines, a game which will go a long way toward establishing the legacy that he’ll one day leave in Columbus.
That’s not to say that J.T. Barrett hasn’t already made a name for himself in his redshirt freshman season, as he’s already managed to rewrite the Ohio State record book just 11 games into his college career. As of last weekend’s win over Indiana, Barrett already owns the school’s single-season touchdown passes (33) and total offense (3,509) records, and his next touchdown will break Drew Brees’ Big Ten mark of touchdowns accounted for in a season (42).
More than that, Barrett has led the Buckeyes to a 10-1 record and has Ohio State on the cusp of a potential spot in the first-ever College Football Playoff. But in Columbus, one game matters a little more than the others, as Smith learned a decade…
Continue Reading: J.T. Barrett Can Establish Legacy in Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry
