A little bit more on the Ohio State quarterback “controversy” won’t hurt anyone, although the Buckeyes might suffer if they try to approach this in a QB committee kind of way, rotating J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones during games.
This isn’t the first time two very good quarterbacks have battled for the starting spot before a season begins, but the situation in Columbus is unique. J.T. Barrett started through the entire regular season in 2014 because of the Braxton Miller injury. He himself was injured on the final game, which meant Cardale Jones, the third-string quarterback, put himself in the history books by leading Ohio State to three wins in three games: The Big Ten championship game, the college football playoff semifinal and final.
Urban Meyer insists that he won’t let his choice be known until the team travels to Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech. At the moment, this doesn’t seem like a competition that’s going to tear the team apart from the inside, because Barrett and Jones happen to be pretty good friends, and view the matter in pretty much the same way.
J.T. Barrett doesn’t think switching between the two quarterbacks in the middle of games is a good idea. I don’t think it would be as efficient. I did that in high school and switched every series … and that’s kind of tough to do being that you can’t get into a rhythm, get a real vibe off the defense. I don’t think it would be the best idea.
Cardale Jones feels the same way. It’s better to pick a starter and stick with him than rotating them. I don’t think it’s a great idea. I don’t think you could get in a rhythm. In a two-quarterback system, if I run three plays and run off the field and J.T. runs out for a drive, I don’t know how well that would work with rhythm and timing with guys. Only one of us can play.
Obviously, that doesn’t need to make a difference to Meyer. But for him, to see his two quarterbacks being friends and making a friendly kind of competition out of this must make it a little bit harder. Sure, you always need to be professional and make your choice based on ability and compatibility with the team, but if one of the guys is more likeable, it obviously helps, especially when it becomes so close to call.