Barrett not buying into Heisman talk: 'Don't bite the apple'

J.T. Barrett blocked out the noise when it was negative at the beginning of the season, and the Ohio State quarterback is doing the same with his newfound Heisman hype.

"The world we live in, it's kind of a microwave-type of world," Barrett told Tim May of the Columbus Dispatch on Wednesday. "Like not too long ago, I was at a spot where people were saying that I shouldn't start. I am aware of that. I'm over with that."

Barrett found himself fighting to keep his starting job after a couple of shaky outings to start the campaign, but he's caught fire as of late - his legendary performance Saturday against Penn State instantly vaulted him into Heisman contention.

However, a piece of advice from quarterbacks coach Ryan Day has helped the senior remain humble.

"'Don't bite the apple.' I guess it’s a more of an Adam-and-Eve-type of reference," Barrett said. "Don't bite the apple, because once you think you have it, you don't."

The Wichita Falls, Texas native added he's staying off social media to avoid the latest noise.

" ... Like I said, it wasn't too long ago where I wasn't good enough," he noted.

Barrett will lead the Buckeyes into Iowa Nov. 4. He's thrown 25 touchdowns and only one interception for the season. Ohio State was placed sixth in the first edition of the College Football Playoff rankings.