Just two short weeks ago, Cardale Jones was a second-string quarterback who was known more for his social-media blunders than his play on the football field.
But when J.T. Barrett’s season-ending ankle injury thrust him into the spotlight, the backup proved that he had more to offer with an all-time performance in the Big Ten title game.
Jones was brilliant in Ohio State’s 59-0 thrashing of Wisconsin last Saturday, completing 12 of 17 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns (with no interceptions). Despite making his first career start, he helped the Buckeyes pile up 558 total yards against the Badgers’ second-ranked defense—earning title-game MVP honors along the way.
He also showcased a skill set that could give Alabama problems when the two teams meet on New Year’s Day.
The Tide are strong defensively (they rank 11th in total defense), but they’ve been mediocre against the pass, allowing opposing teams to throw for an average of 223.7 yards per game. That ranks 58th nationally—behind eight teams Ohio State has already faced this season.
Those are surprising numbers. With Nick Saban at the helm, Alabama’s pass defense has been consistently great, but it’s cracking this season. The Tide have struggled in their last three SEC matchups, surrendering an average of 339.3 passing yards to Mississippi State, Auburn and Missouri.
It was Nick Marshall and the Tigers, though, that did the most damage. In the…
Continue Reading: Cardale Jones Has the Skill Set to Succeed Against Alabama
