Ohio State's J.T. Barrett named 2014 Big Ten Quarterback of the Year

This has been quite a season for J.T. Barrett, a season where he wasn't even supposed to be playing. A preseason, season-ending injury to starter Braxton Miller changed all of that, and all J.T. Barrett did was lead Ohio State to an 11-1 record, a Top 10 ranking, a division championship, and the Ohio State and Big Ten record for most TDs in a single season. He's picked up weekly awards all year, and can now add perhaps his biggest one yet. The Big Ten conference has named Barrett the Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year.

It was an easy choice, given how excellent a season Barrett has had. Over the year, Barrett threw for 34 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, and 2834 yards, while completing 64.7% of his passes. Barrett threw for over 300 yards in a game four times, won the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award a record seven times, and also rushed for 938 yards and 11 more touchdowns. Not bad for a guy who wasn't even supposed to start, and with a new offensive line, and mostly underclassmen skill position players.

Barrett is out for the season after dislocating his ankle against Michigan, but his stat profile should be strong enough to keep him in the conversation for a Heisman invitation. Congrats to Barrett on an excellent year, and best wishes on his recovery.