The Legendary “J.T. Barrett First Down” – A Game-Changing Call

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To really dig into “Justin Barrett first command,” you might be thinking of a couple of different things, and it’s super easy to get them mixed up! If you’re a sports fan, especially of college football, chances are your mind is going straight to J.T. Barrett and that unforgettable “first down” play against Michigan. That’s probably the most iconic “first command” moment associated with a “Barrett” name that sparked a nationwide debate. But, if you happened to come across the name in a different context, there’s also a financial advisor named Justin Barrett who works with “First Command Financial Services.” It’s a company dedicated to helping military professionals and their families manage their finances. We’ll also touch on other notable “Justin Barretts” like the actor or the Irish political activist, just to clear up any possible confusion. For this piece, though, we’re mostly going to break down the legendary moment that cemented J.T. Barrett’s place in college football history and why it’s still talked about today, so let’s get into it!


Let’s be honest, when most people hear “Barrett first command,” their minds instantly jump to the gridiron, specifically to a chilly Saturday in November 2016. That was the day Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett became central to one of the most talked-about plays in the history of “The Game” – their fierce rivalry against the Michigan Wolverines. This wasn’t just any play. it was a fourth-down conversion in double overtime that sparked a firestorm of debate and ultimately decided a pivotal matchup. It’s “The Spot” that still makes fans argue, years later.

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The Epic 2016 Ohio State vs. Michigan Showdown

Picture this: November 26, 2016. It’s Columbus, Ohio, and the No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are battling the No. 3 ranked Michigan Wolverines. The stakes couldn’t have been higher. Not only was it the biggest rivalry game in college football, but the winner would keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive and likely head to the Big Ten Championship. It was a classic, hard-fought, defensive battle throughout regulation.

Michigan, coached by the ever-intense Jim Harbaugh, had led for much of the game, holding Ohio State’s offense to just 153 total yards through three quarters at one point. The Wolverines even had a 10-point lead in the third quarter, 17-7. But thanks to some crucial Michigan mistakes – including two interceptions thrown by Wilton Speight, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Malik Hooker – Ohio State clawed its way back. A late field goal by Tyler Durbin with just one second left in regulation tied the game at 17-17, forcing it into overtime.

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Double Overtime Drama: The Controversial Call

The tension was palpable as the game headed into its second overtime. Ohio State and Michigan traded touchdowns in the first overtime period, keeping the score knotted. In the second overtime, Michigan had the ball first and was forced to settle for a 37-yard field goal, taking a 27-24 lead.

Now it was Ohio State’s turn. They needed at least a field goal to extend the game or a touchdown to win. Three plays into their possession, the Buckeyes found themselves facing a critical 4th-and-1 situation at Michigan’s 15-yard line. Everyone in the stadium, and millions watching at home, knew this was likely the game. If Ohio State didn’t convert, their national championship dreams would be dashed. Unpacking Google’s Jupiter SIGCOMM: The Network That Powers the Internet

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, known for his aggressive play-calling, opted to go for it. The play was a designed run for their veteran quarterback, J.T. Barrett. Barrett took the snap and surged forward, into a pile of Michigan defenders. He was hit squarely, and the play was instantly controversial. Was he short? Or did he just barely get enough for the first down?

The Infamous Spot

The on-field officials quickly signaled a first down for Ohio State. But in a game of such magnitude, especially on such a close play, everyone knew it would go to review. And it did. The stadium held its breath. Coaches paced the sidelines. Players from both teams anxiously watched the replay on the big screens.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was furious, vehemently arguing that Barrett was short of the marker. He later said he was “bitterly disappointed” with the officials, stating that Barrett was “several inches short.” J.T. Barrett himself, when asked later, admitted he wasn’t “100 percent certain” at the moment he was hit. “Honestly, when I got hit, I wasn’t 100 percent certain, to be honest with you,” Barrett recalled. He remembered falling on top of people and wasn’t sure what the spot would be.

After a lengthy review, the call on the field stood: first down, Ohio State. The referees determined there wasn’t enough conclusive evidence to overturn the initial ruling. This decision ignited a firestorm of outrage among Michigan fans and a sigh of relief for the Buckeyes. The term “The Spot” immediately entered the lexicon of the rivalry, fueling endless debates about camera angles, forward progress, and referee bias. Interestingly, even a Michigan fan blog, mgoblog.com, did an excruciatingly detailed breakdown of the play using pixel analysis and concluded that Barrett actually did get the first down.

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The Aftermath and Game-Winning Play

With the first down secured, Ohio State had new life. On the very next play, running back Curtis Samuel took a pitch, reversed field, and scampered 15 yards around the left end for the game-winning touchdown. The Buckeyes won a thrilling double-overtime classic, 30-27. The crowd erupted, the team celebrated wildly, and Michigan was left to ponder what might have been.

This victory not only kept Ohio State’s playoff hopes alive they would finish 11-1 and No. 3 in the playoff rankings, though they later lost to Clemson in the semifinals but also extended their dominance over Michigan. For Ohio State fans, “The Spot” is a moment of pure resilience and clutch performance. For Michigan fans, it remains a bitter point of contention, an “outrageous call” that cost them the game. It’s truly a defining moment in one of sports’ greatest rivalries.

Who is J.T. Barrett? A Look at His Ohio State Legacy

Joseph Thomas “J.T.” Barrett IV was born on January 23, 1995. He became a legendary figure in Ohio State football history, known for his leadership, dual-threat abilities, and remarkable consistency throughout his college career from 2013 to 2017.

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A Record-Breaking College Career

Barrett’s time at Ohio State was nothing short of extraordinary. He became the first three-time captain in school history and left a lasting mark on the Big Ten Conference record books. Is Semrush AI Based? Unpacking the Tech Behind Your Favorite SEO Tool

Here are some of his incredible achievements:

  • Most Career Total Offensive Yards: Barrett holds the Big Ten record with 12,697 total offensive yards, surpassing Drew Brees’ previous record.
  • Most Career Touchdowns Accounted For: He’s also the Big Ten record holder with 147 total touchdowns, which includes both passing and rushing scores.
  • Most Career Passing Touchdowns: With 104 career passing touchdowns, he set another Big Ten record.
  • Big Ten Quarterback of the Year: Barrett earned this prestigious award three times 2014, 2016, 2017, showcasing his consistent excellence.
  • Big Ten Freshman of the Year: His talent was evident from the start, earning him this honor in 2014.
  • Third-team All-American: He was recognized nationally for his outstanding 2014 season.
  • CFP National Champion: Although Cardale Jones took over for the championship run due to Barrett’s injury, J.T. was a vital part of the 2014 team that won the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship.

He wasn’t always perfect, and there were ups and downs, but his ability to perform in crucial moments, especially against Michigan, made him a fan favorite and a true Buckeyes icon. The 2016 “first down” play is just one example of his tenacious playstyle and willingness to fight for every inch.

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Beyond Ohio State: NFL and Coaching

After his illustrious college career, J.T. Barrett went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. He had stints with several NFL teams, primarily on their practice squads, including the New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He also played briefly for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League.

While his playing career didn’t reach the same heights in the pros, Barrett has successfully transitioned into coaching. After serving as an offensive assistant and assistant quarterbacks coach for the Detroit Lions, he is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears as of 2025. It’s cool to see him bringing his extensive knowledge and experience of the game to help develop the next generation of quarterbacks. Is Semrush a Good Stock to Invest In? A Deep Dive for 2025

Justin Barrett, Financial Advisor with First Command Financial Services

Now, if your initial thought with “Justin Barrett first command” wasn’t about football, you might be thinking of Justin Barrett, the financial advisor. He joined First Command Financial Services in November 2016. This company has a specific mission: “Coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.”

Justin Barrett’s background is quite impressive, having served a 21-year career in the United States Air Force before transitioning into financial services. This makes him a natural fit for First Command, which was founded in 1958 by a retired Air Force officer with the goal of improving the financial well-being of military professionals and their families.

So, if “first command” made you think of financial guidance, especially for military members, then this Justin Barrett is likely who you had in mind. He focuses on comprehensive financial planning, retirement income planning, military benefits, and investment strategies.

Other Notable “Justin Barretts”

To further clarify, it’s worth noting there are other individuals named Justin Barrett who have made their mark in different fields:

  • Justin S. Barrett Actor/Voice Talent: There’s an actor and voice talent named Justin S. Barrett. He’s been involved in various projects, including acting, producing, and voiceover work for commercials, video games, and audiobooks. So, if you’re into entertainment, this Justin Barrett might ring a bell.
  • Justin Barrett Irish Political Activist: In Ireland, there’s a well-known far-right political activist named Justin Barrett. He was born in 1971 and has been involved in anti-abortion campaigns and was the leader of the National Party from 2016 until recently.

These individuals are distinct from J.T. Barrett, the football star, and Justin Barrett, the financial advisor. It just goes to show how common names can lead to different associations depending on your area of interest! Is Semrush Accurate? Let’s See What Reddit Thinks!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the Ohio State vs. Michigan game where J.T. Barrett had his controversial first down?

The final score of the 2016 game was Ohio State 30, Michigan 27, in double overtime.

When did “J.T. Barrett first down” happen?

The famous play occurred on November 26, 2016, during “The Game” between Ohio State and Michigan.

Why was J.T. Barrett’s first down against Michigan so controversial?

It was controversial because it was a 4th-and-1 play in double overtime, with Ohio State trailing by three points. The on-field call gave J.T. Barrett the first down, but replays made it appear incredibly close, and many, especially Michigan fans and coach Jim Harbaugh, believed he was short. The call was reviewed and upheld due to insufficient evidence to overturn it.

Did J.T. Barrett think he got the first down?

J.T. Barrett himself admitted he wasn’t “100 percent certain” he got the first down at the moment he was hit during the play, but he was certainly glad the officials made that call. Is Working for Semrush Legit? Your Honest Look Inside

What happened immediately after the J.T. Barrett first down call?

Immediately after the controversial first down was upheld, Ohio State running back Curtis Samuel ran 15 yards for a game-winning touchdown, securing a 30-27 victory for the Buckeyes in double overtime.

Is “Justin Barrett first command” related to a financial advisor?

Yes, there is a Justin Barrett who is a financial advisor with “First Command Financial Services.” He joined the company in November 2016 after a 21-year career in the Air Force, helping military families with financial planning. This is a separate individual from the football player J.T. Barrett.

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