COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s offense might have found its sweet spot last Saturday against Maryland. Using starting quarterback Cardale Jones between the 20-yard lines and J.T. Barrett, last year’s starter, in the red zone, the top-ranked Buckeyes clicked for 499 yards of total offense in a 49-28 victory over Maryland in Ohio Stadium. Jones, who boosted his record to 9-0 as the starter, threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns and Barrett utilized his running ability inside the 20s to rush for three touchdowns as coach Urban Meyer unveiled what appeared to be an effective system to deploy his two talented quarterbacks. Asked whether the rotation is permanent, Meyer said, “I think so, but I’m not writing it in Sharpie yet. We’ll see how it goes. I think everyone on our team — to see (Barrett) and his energy … he’s a good player. He gives us that extra — Cardale can certainly run, but when you have that (running) threat, you saw it Saturday, and you have to defend that now.” In addition to the quarterbacks, running back Ezekiel Elliott produced his 11th consecutive game of 100 or more rushing yards, wide receiver Michael Thomas caught a pass in his 22nd consecutive game (seven receptions for 107 yards) and H-back Braxton Miller contributed five catches for 79 yards and a touchdown. “Offensively, it was our best performance,” Meyer said. “The penalties, red zone production, four penalties offensive line in the first half. …
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