J.T. Barrett’s confidence and accuracy continued to ascend against Maryland

Stop complaining about the lack of competition when it comes to Ohio State’s recent offensive success. Since Oklahoma put the clamps down on J.T. Barrett and the passing game, they’ve had a few games against inferior opponents to get their timing down and to open up the playbook a bit, and it’s done wonders for Barrett and the receiver’s confidence as a whole.

Even though the deep ball still isn’t where it needs to be, Barrett is starting to look like his old self. He looks calm, cool and collected in the pocket and his trust with his receivers has grown. Barrett is surveying the field and going through his options before releasing the football. Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day have done a great job at making things easier for the starting quarterback and his progress is evident.

• Here’s a good example of Barrett’s trust in his arm and his receiver. Johnnie Dixon has killed the hitch (and spot) routes this season, and Barrett really zipped it in there. His velocity on intermediate routes has improved immensely.

• Here’s a second example of Barrett’s trust in his arm and his receiver. Barrett initially had K.J. Hill, but when the safety came downhill to help on Hill, that opened up just enough space for Barrett to hit Binjimen Victor in the back of the end zone. He was able to unload a higher pass to Victor, where only his 6’4 frame could catch the football. It was a great call by Wilson and a great read by the quarterback.

• Barrett’s worst decision/ throw of the day came on a receiver screen to Parris Campbell, when he double pumped on the throw, risking an interception inside the Ohio State 10-yard line. He saw the defensive back beat Austin Mack’s block, double pumped, then threw the ball. Barrett finished 5-of-5 on screen passes.
• Another reason for Barrett’s recent success has been his ability to throw the receiver open, rather than wait for the receiver to be perfectly open. He’s starting to hit the receiver on their break, which continues to show the trust that he’s developing with the wideouts. There were numerous throws during the first two weeks where he waited on the receiver to gain separation at the completion of the route, rather than trusting the receiver on his break. This is a huge step forward.
• Marcus Baugh isn’t going to catch 60-plus balls in this offense, but he continues to make plays when called upon. Even though the numbers aren’t there, Baugh’s mix of size and athleticism will make him a pretty good NFL player.
• This touchdown throw to Austin Mack is the best throw Barrett has made this season, and one of the better throws of his career. Wilson rolled Barrett out to the left and had him make the throw across his body. Mack fought off physical man coverage on an out pattern. As noted above, Mack was just coming out of his break when Barrett pulled the trigger, hitting the only spot where Mack could catch the ball uncontested. It was an extremely tough throw, but once again, Barrett passed the test.