After weeks of speculation, Ohio State is making a change at quarterback against Rutgers. J.T. Barrett will get the start behind center instead of Cardale Jones. Jones had been the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes so far this season.
“It was a difficult decision, but the red-zone production and third-down production were the two areas that made the difference. He earned that with the way he played Saturday,” head coach Urban Meyer said to ESPN regarding the switch at quarterback.
J.T. Barrett has seen action for the Buckeyes throughout the season. His play had mostly been limited to when the Buckeyes were in the redzone. When Barrett did enter the game, Ohio State seemed to move the ball more effectively down the field. Meyer has not announced whether the position will be evaluated after each game or if Barrett will have the position permanently.
In the offseason, Braxton Miller was also part of the quarterback competition, but Miller made a position switch to wide receiver before the season started.