If Ohio State beats Wisconsin in Saturday’s Big Ten Championship Game, the Buckeyes will have won 12 games this season with, basically, two backup quarterbacks.
Some might take that to mean the Buckeyes have a group of “system quarterbacks.” Call it what you will, but Ohio State calls it an identity. So far, that identity has worked despite two key injuries.
As you’ll recall, starting quarterback Braxton Miller was ruled out for the year in the preseason after he reinjured his right shoulder. That propelled backup J.T. Barrett into the starting role. Despite a slow start, Barrett has flourished in an offense that has dramatically improved over the course of the season.
Statistically, Barrett was having a better season than Miller did a year ago before sustaining his own season-ending injury, a fractured ankle, last week against Michigan. That means reserve quarterback Cardale Jones, who is 10-of-17 passing for 118 yards and two touchdowns on the season, will start against the Badgers.
Disregard for a moment whether Ohio State should even be in a position to make the four-team playoff. Don’t worry how Barrett’s injury alters the selection committee’s view of the Buckeyes. Just look at this for what it is:
The fact that Ohio State is even in this position is nothing short of impressive. Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has his critics, but the job he and offensive coordinator Tom Herman have done recruiting and developing quarterbacks is…
Continue Reading: Why Who Is Playing QB for Ohio State Doesn’t Really Matter
