Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer made official what most probably expected: J.T. Barrett will return as starting quarterback this week when the Buckeyes travel to Illinois — with one caveat. The coach said Barrett must have a good week of practice. He then added, “That’s really every week though.” Barrett missed Ohio State’s 28-14 win over Minnesota last weekend while serving a suspension for being cited for OVI on Oct. 31. Cardale Jones started against the Golden Gophers, and the offense resembled its inconsistent form for much of the seven games Jones started earlier in the season. The Buckeyes hit a handful of big plays but struggled on a play-to-play basis while putting up three offensive touchdowns and posting 376 total yards, their fewest since week three against Northern Illinois. Jones completed 12 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. He did not throw an interception, but he was sacked four times and lost a fumble. Despite the sacks, Jones finished with 65 yards rushing, including 38 on a touchdown run that put the game away late in the fourth quarter. Barrett logged his first start in the previous game against a far worse Rutgers defense and largely had his way, completing 14 of 18 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Continue Reading: Meyer shares plans for Ohio State at QB this week with Illinois up next
