The Buckeyes’ offense, meanwhile, touts some of the nation’s most electric players. Throughout the week, the Terps defense, which has surrendered at least 650 yards two outings in a row, has harped on the importance of limiting Ohio State’s attack.
Quarterback J.T. Barrett has completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 1,965 yards and 21 touchdowns. The junior has added 570 yards and six scores on the ground.
“He can beat you throwing it or running it,” Durkin said. “That presents issues for a defense, let alone an experienced guy like that who’s been through all the battles, all the tests, and done a great job. He’s one of the best there is in the country, for sure.”
“He can run really well — he’s almost like a running back back there,” defensive lineman Azubuike Ukandu said. “He’s the ideal dual-threat quarterback.”
Perhaps the Buckeyes’ most impressive performance came in last week’s 62-3 throttling of then-No. 10 Nebraska, when Barrett threw for 290 yards and four touchdowns.
And Barrett wasn’t the only star.
Halfback Curtis Samuel was the Big Ten’s Co-Offensive Player of the Week after downing the Cornhuskers. He recorded 137 yards on eight catches, two of which went for touchdowns, while rushing for 41 yards. He’s the lone player in the country to have at least 500 yards in each category.
“He’s as good as there is out there,” Durkin said. “That’s definitely a guy we always got to know where he is and have a good plan for defending him.”
