J.T. Barrett didn’t know what to think.
“Honestly, when I got hit, I wasn’t 100 percent certain,” Ohio State’s quarterback said.
The situation: The Buckeyes were down by three points and facing a 4th-and-1 in double overtime against archrival Michigan. If Ohio State didn't convert, its national championship dreams are dashed.
The Buckeyes called a play they normally do in these types of situations, a designed run for Barrett, and the Wolverines’ defense sniffed it out. On the field, it was ruled Barrett got the first down. The play was reviewed — and upheld — and on the very next play, Curtis Samuel scampered 15 yards around the left end for the game-winning touchdown.
After the game, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed his displeasure with the call saying he felt Barrett was short of the first down marker, that Michigan should have won the game on that play. But the officials determined it was too close to overturn the call on the field, and the play stood as called.
While the review was going on, however, Barrett and Co. were anxiously awaiting the announcement.
“That stopped the heart for a second,” Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer said. “The official said they were buzzing him for a spot and I thought, ‘Oh my goodness.’”
Ohio State’s defense, which held Michigan to a field goal on its possession in the second overtime, anxiously awaited the call from the sideline, too. The Buckeyes felt confident as the review was going on.
“As soon as the play happened and I saw what the play was, I knew it was going to be a first down,” linebacker Chris Worley said. “With a guy like J.T., he won’t be satisfied with losing and he’s going to fight for that extra inch, extra yard.”
“We were calm, honestly, on the sideline. We knew he got it and we trusted the ref would make the right decision.”
Barrett wasn’t so sure, but in the end, it didn't matter.
“I didn’t know exactly what it was going to be,” he said, “but I’m glad I got it.”
