The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the midst of one of the better quarterback battles in recent history. J.T Barrett and Cardale Jones could start on almost any college football team in the nation. Both are very talented and Ohio State is lucky to have them. However, only one can be the starter since neither want a 2-QB system. OSU really can't make a wrong choice, but here are four reasons why Urban Meyer should make Barrett the starter this season.
Most Experienced
Barrett has more experience than any QB on Ohio State's roster now that Braxton Miller has moved to wide receiver. He's the one who guided Ohio State to the Big Ten Championship Game, even if he didn't get to play in it. Jones stepped up big in the postseason, but his three game sample size simply isn't as big as Barrett's.
Heisman Candidate Last Year
In the hype following Jones' impressive run last year, it seems like everyone has forgotten that Barrett finished in fifth the Heisman voting last season. Only TCU's Trevone Boykin finished ahead of him among returning players. Barrett set a Big Ten record with 45 touchdowns last season. If it wasn't for Jones pushing for playing time, sitting Barrett would be an absurd move.
Youngest
Having two talented QBs compete for playing time isn't a new dilemma. Several seasons ago, North Carolina State was in a simliar predicament. N.C. State had Russell Wilson and Mike Glennon. They could only keep one and they went with Glennon. Wilson went on to have a great season with Wisconsin and is now tearing it up in the NFL, but the right choice was made. Glennon played almost as well as Wilson did during his time at N.C. State and Glennon had an extra season of eligibility. Looking long-term, playing Barrett is the smarter move for Meyer. If he starts Jones, Barrett could transfer and Jones will likely turn pro after this season. Just like that, Ohio State has a new QB issue. If Meyer starts Barrett, Jones might leave, but Barrett will still have at least one more season. Playing Barrett is the safer move.
Better Scheme Fit
The thing that ultimately puts Barrett above Jones is that Barrett is a better scheme fit for Meyer's offense. Jones has the stronger arm, but Barrett is a better runner. What made Tim Tebow such a great QB for Meyer was that he could run and pass. That's exactly what Barrett can do. He's a perfect fit for the option offense Meyer likes to run. Starting Barrett means Ohio State can get Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson and even Braxton Miller more involved with jet sweeps and read options. Jones is best airing it out deep and the Buckeyes don't have Devin Smith anymore. Jones is simply not the runner Barrett is. By starting Barrett, OSU can do a little bit more on offense than it would with Jones.
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