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Ohio State Football: 5 reasons why Buckeyes will beat Oklahoma

By Connor Muldowney

BLOOMINGTON, IN - AUGUST 31: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a two point conversion during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - AUGUST 31: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a two point conversion during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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BLOOMINGTON, IN – AUGUST 31: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a two point conversion during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN – AUGUST 31: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs for a two point conversion during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

1. JT Barrett settled in after rough start in Week 1

When the Indiana game began, everyone was focused on J.T. Barrett. The senior quarterback had somewhat of a letdown junior campaign and the Buckeyes’ 2017 success would be up to his progression as a passer.

Early on, it looked like the Buckeyes were doomed. He struggled through the air, missing open receivers and looking uncomfortable in the pocket. Then, halftime hit. Whether he got the world’s best pep talk in the locker room or he just got the nod from Urban Meyer to go back to being himself, he looked like a completely different, and improved, player.

In fact, his sub-50 percent completion rate from the first half turned into 20-of-35 completions by game’s end. Not too shabby for a kid who looked like he didn’t want any part of Indiana’s improved defense in the first half.

Moreover, he didn’t turn the ball over. He had 304 yards and three touchdowns through the air with no picks and 61 rushing yards and a score on the ground with no fumbles. He settled in after the rough start and it could give him momentum at home in Week 2.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

Barrett plays well at home and will continue to do so against Oklahoma. While home-field advantage may be the biggest reason the Buckeyes would win, I decided to base it on Barrett’s success.

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