Finish 2014, then worry about 2015

First Posted: 11/11/2014

It’s no secret sports is a what have you done for me lately business.

Even so, it’s a little surprising to see how fast some people have jumped off the Braxton Miller bandwagon.

J.T. Barrett has been spectacular as a replacement for the injured Miller at quarterback for Ohio State this season. After only nine starts, he might be the best quarterback in the Big Ten.

He throws the ball with great precision, makes good decisions and gets the ball where it needs to be. Ohio State looks like it has a more complete offense with him at quarterback than it did with Miller.

All of this has led some OSU fans to debate who should be the starting quarterback in 2015 – Barrett or Miller, the two-time Big Ten Player of the Year.

The debate heated up after Barrett led Ohio State over Michigan State last weekend by doing what Miller didn’t do in a loss to MSU in the Big Ten championship game last year – connect on deep passes to wide receivers.

Some people have searched for a clue by analyzing, and maybe overanalyzing coach Urban Meyer’s words.

Earlier this season he said Miller would be next year’s starting quarterback. Monday he said, “Competition brings out the best.”

The question could turn out to be irrelevant. No one knows if Miller’s surgically repaired shoulder will be at full strength by spring practice, by next fall, or ever.

A healthy Barrett beats an uncertain Miller. Whatever happens, it would be good to appreciate how much Miller has meant to Ohio State football. During the first two years of his career, Braxton runs left, Braxton runs right was the only offense OSU had.

Winning games will be the bottom line when the decision is made. Until then, what’s the hurry?