COLUMBUS, Ohio — It may have taken six games to do so, but Urban Meyer finally appeared to find an answer for Ohio State’s quarterback conundrum in the Buckeyes’ 49-28 win over Maryland on Saturday.
And it doesn’t involve choosing one guy over the other.
After stating earlier in the week that he had spent an “inordinate” amount of time debating situationally subbing backup J.T. Barrett for starter Cardale Jones to help cure the Buckeyes’ recent red-zone woes, Meyer wasted little time putting words into action. Upon reaching the Terrapins’ 25-yard line on Ohio State’s second offensive drive, the Buckeyes head coach pulled Jones in favor of Barrett, who found wide receiver Michael Thomas for a 20-yard pass before capping off the drive with a three-yard touchdown run.
Barrett ultimately accounted for 88 yards and three touchdowns on the day, but Meyer’s decision to sprinkle him into the game plan didn’t only seem to benefit the reigning Big Ten Quarterback of the Year. Jones responded to his reduction in playing time with the best statistical day of his career, completing 21 of his 28 attempts for a career best 291 yards and two touchdowns—and perhaps most importantly, no interceptions.
After five weeks of uncertainty—which included a couple of in-game benchings of Jones—Meyer appears to have settled on a system that will involve both of his high-profile quarterbacks, even if he’s not willing to call it a final solution just yet.
“Sure. Until…
Continue Reading: Did Urban Meyer Finally Figure out His QB Conundrum in Win over Maryland?
