Curious what Buckeyes fans and non-fans who follow college football think about who Urban Meyer should start and why.
My take: I'll always have a special place in my heart for Jones for what he did in that 3-game run in relief of Barrett to lead OSU to the title. It was arguably the most impressive run off the bench for a QB since Hoss and maybe even more so considering Jones had been No. 3 on the depth chart.
Barrett, by the time he got hurt, had shook off a bit of a rough start after his own emergency rise from No. 2 to starter and was totally in command. Do the Buckeyes win a title if Barrett doesn't get hurt? Who knows? The emotional factor of rallying around Jones is an intangible. On the other hand, the team doesn't win with either if not for Ezikeial Elliott going off the charts and Bosa and the defense imposing its will late in those games.
Without the benefit of seeing how these two look in practice, I don't know how Meyer makes this call but if it's me, I have to give Barrett the chance to show he can pick up where he left off. A big part of me wonders if Jones really is a little more special than Barrett or if he used up some once in a lifetime mojo, but I'd still rather see J.T. pick up where he left off.
Thoughts? Predictions?
Defense played back on Jones and let Ohio State play to their strengths during Jone's 3-4 game stretch, because like many people they didn't know how good he was, and how mobile he could be. They played less aggressive because he was the 3rd QB.
Here is a fantastic article and break down of the games Jones played in. Great Xs and Os analysis.
Ohio State Down the Stretch - ( New Window )
Jones' ability to pull the ball down and run over a linebacker or safety was crucial in that game, and if they want similar results, I'd think Jones would be the guy.
This. I wanted it to be Cardale and I guess it still could be, but you don't name your backup quarterback Captain. I definitely think Barrett's getting the nod now.
That's not going to work against top teams. Cardale has the arm strength and ability to throw very hard and very accurate in that all-too-important 20-30 yard range. Both can make the short throws and both have beautiful long balls, but Cardale's ability in that range is what separated him from Barrett.
They both bring the ability to break a defense with their legs in equal measure. Barrett with more speed and Cardale with more power. In fact, I'd argue that Cardale will do far more to wear down a defense with his legs than Barrett.
I'm still holding out a small amount of hope, but I think Barret is going to start.