COLUMBUS, Ohio — Urban Meyer could have waited it out, making Illinois, the media and the fans all play the guessing game for the next five days.
Instead, the Ohio State head coach opted to just admit the obvious in regard to J.T. Barrett’s starting status as he returns from a one-game suspension for a citation for operating a vehicle while impaired during the Buckeyes’ bye week in Week 9.
“I’m sure the first question will be quarterback,” Meyer said as he opened his Monday morning press conference. “If J.T. has a good week of practice, he’ll get to start against Illinois.”
For anyone who’s watched Ohio State’s situation at signal-caller evolve over the course of the past month, Meyer’s announcement hardly came as a surprise.
Because while Cardale Jones now possesses valuable experience with 11 starts—and 11 wins—to his credit in his college career and filled in admirably in Barrett’s absence by totaling 252 yards of offense and two touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ 28-14 win over Minnesota on Saturday, it’s clear that the OSU offense is at its best with Barrett in the lineup.
Meyer may have added the caveat that Barrett’s return to the starting lineup would be dependent on his week of preparation but would later admit “that’s really every week.”
“It’s never easy,” Meyer said of moving Jones back to the bench in favor of Barrett. “I think it’s the right thing at this time.”
Given the way…
Continue Reading: J.T. Barrett’s Return to Starting Lineup the Obvious Choice for Urban Meyer
