How No. 1 Ohio State decided on its starting quarterback
BLACKSBURG, Va. — How far was Ohio State coach Urban Meyer willing to take the quarterback competition between Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett? Even as the team was seconds away from running its first offensive play Monday, Jones swears he didn’t know he was supposed to go under center.
“Honestly we both went out in the huddle with the first play and we didn’t know,” he said after the Buckeyes’ 42-24 victory against Virginia tech. “I took a couple steps to the sideline and (Meyer) was like, ‘Nah you're in.’ ”
Though it almost seems impossible, Ohio State’s eight-month position battle came to an end as Jones started the game and didn’t come out until 10:43 left in the fourth quarter when the lead had grown to 35-17. He finished 9-of-18 passing for 186 yards with two touchdowns and an interception and could have been even better if not for a couple of dropped passes. He also rushed for 99 yards and, with a handful of laser-accurate downfield passes, reminded everyone why he beat Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon in his first three starts to win last season's national title.
Meyer, who did not reveal any specifics about the evaluation process as fall camp went on, said there was not much separating Jones and Barrett throughout fall camp. But with Jones finishing last season after Barrett’s broke his ankle, Meyer felt like the job would have to be taken from him. It wasn’t.
“We met twice along the journey in training camp and he was ahead, and J.T. really closed it and almost nudged back,” Meyer said. “It was very close, but we have two good players, and they’re going to play.”
The conventional wisdom among coaches and others connected to Ohio State was that Barrett might have the edge due to his running ability, which has always been valued in Meyer’s offense. But particularly against Virginia Tech, which boasts one of the nation’s best defensive fronts, Meyer felt that Jones’ size at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds might be useful.
As Ohio State sputtered in the second quarter — Jones was 0-for-4 passing with an interception — Meyer thought about making a change. But he also doesn’t want to get in the habit of jerking his quarterbacks in and out, which could impact chemistry and confidence.
“I’m going to have constant communication with them,” Meyer said. “There might come a time we have to do it. This journey is going to be interesting, and I have to make sure I don’t screw it up.”
Jones said he didn’t consider the competition over just because he was given the start against Virginia Tech.
“You have two great guys with experience and can lead the team in their own way,” he said. “We put ourself in a unique situation as a team with me and J.T. because of our talent and because of how the team rolls when each of us are in the game.
“I don’t think the battle is over. We still have to stay razor sharp in our play and stay locked into the gameplans each week and just continue to stay ready. Our number is going to be called at any moment. I’m not sure who’s starting next Saturday.”
Meyer said he was proud of how both players handled the decision, which played out so publicly for several months.
“That’s the good thing about this team right now,” he said. “The culture, I want to bottle it, because it’s really good. They’re into it, and there’s no locker room issues or who’s the quarterback and all of that. Zero. Both handled it great and both said, ‘Whatever we can do to help this team win.’ ”
HIGHLIGHTS OF NO. 1 OHIO STATE VS. VIRGINIA TECH