College Football

Ohio State vs Clemson: Fiesta Bowl Quarterback Comparison

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:01 p.m. ET

Fansided, Lauren Pera/FanSided via Scarlet and Game

Comparing Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.

Ohio State fans across the world were angered when Clemson Safety, Jadar Jackson, stated that his team has faced “better quarterbacks than JT”. Which in a sense is true. After all, they did face 19-year-old Heisman winner Lamar Jackson of The University of Louisville.

He stated that Barrett was not an accurate passer, with 62% of complete passes in the 2016 season. Buckeye fans and players immediately backed JT up with the statement “That’s my quarterback”.

JT Barrett himself was not rattled by the statement, he simply responded that he was “confident in his skills”. Which is exactly what Ohio State needs, their best game and confidence when facing Clemson quarterback, Deshaun Watson.

Comparison

JT Barrett

Deshaun Watson

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On paper Watson is the better quarterback of the two, and it must be kept in mind that he did come in second place in the voting for the Heisman trophy as well. However, Jadar Johnson said Barrett was not an accurate passer but Watson has had 15 passes intercepted this season while Barrett has only thrown 5 picks.

The Buckeyes are the youngest team in college football this year, and were basically rebuilding their offense at the beginning of the season after losing stars like Ezekiel Elliot, Michael Thomas and Jalin Marshall to the NFL.
Clemson has an older team with more experience, therefore giving Watson plenty to work with. It is truly remarkable to see what the Buckeyes have accomplished thus far this year with such a young team.

Urban Meyer said he is “physically and mentally” preparing his team and staff as they head to the Fiesta bowl. In a recent interview, Meyer states his team must be “nine strong” in order to beat Clemson.

Barrett promised the fans and his teammates that he will be his best while facing Clemson. The Play station Fiesta Bowl will air on December 31st at 7pm on ESPN.