After a rough game against Virginia Tech, Ohio State's offense has surged behind the improved play of quarterback J.T. Barrett.
Despite some record-setting numbers, however, the redshirt freshman will find himself on the bench next season in favor of Braxton Miller.
"Braxton is our quarterback," Meyer told reporters Monday. "To be fair to Braxton, Big Ten Player of the Year. (But it's) good to know we've got both of them."
Miller was considered to be a Heisman Trophy favorite in 2014 before he re-injured his shoulder and required season-ending surgery during fall camp. He threw for 2,094 yards as a junior and added another 1,068 on the ground as one of the most electrifying players in the country. His departure was considered to be a major blow to the team, but, outside the game against the Hokies, the Ohio State offense has continued to put up big numbers despite a rebuilt offensive line.
Barrett actually bettered Miller last week against Cincinnati by putting up a career-high 409 yards of total offense. The Buckeyes tied an FBS record with 45 first downs and posted a school record with 101 plays in the game. The Texas native is completing 64 percent of his passes and has thrown for 13 touchdowns, the most in the Big Ten.
There was a chance Barrett was going to be the team's starter this season, but Miller returned to Ohio State in the offseason after giving serious thought to declaring early for the 2014 NFL Draft. While he bypassed his professional dreams and got injured several months later, the quarterback has maintained he'll be suiting up for the Buckeyes next year.
"I love Ohio State and Buckeye nation, and my goal is to come back from this injury stronger and better than ever. I am on course to graduate in December and I want to attend graduate school, and then return to lead the Buckeyes next season," Miller said in a release in August. "In the meantime, I want to give all the support I can to my coaches and teammates as they chase a championship this season."
At the very least, Meyer has to like his quarterback depth going into next year. Given Miller's style of play and Barrett's progress under center, he certainly has a good situation on his hands in 2015.
You can follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.
