Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett both say they would support whichever player gets the starting nod from head coach Urban Meyer. Their decision alleviates some of Meyer's headaches, but he's not completely off the hook yet.
The Ohio St. head coach must make a decision first. Both QBs are opposed to a dual-QB system.
"I don't think it would be as efficient [a system]," Barrett told ESPN's Austin Ward. "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.
Taysom Hill Top Sleeper For Heisman Trophy
"I don't think it would be the best idea."
Jones—who benefited from injuries to Barrett and Braxton Miller to lead the Buckeyes to the national championship—echoed the same sentiment.
"I don't think it's a great idea," Jones said. "I don't think you could get in a rhythm. In a two-QB 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."
Platooning QBs—when a football team uses two (or more) QBs to run their offense—is a tactic few coaches have been able to deploy successfully in college football. Ironically, one of the few instances in the modern era where it did succeed was with Ohio St. in 1996-97.
That year, Stanley Jackson and Joe Germaine split time at QB, leading the Buckeyes to a 10-1 record and a 20-17 victory over Arizona St. in the Rose Bowl.
Admittedly, Jones and Barrett wouldn't fall under that category. Unlike Jackson and Germaine, both have a proven track record of throwing the football. (Jackson was seen as more of a running QB in comparison to Germaine).
|
CMP% |
YDS |
TD |
INT |
|
|
Barrett |
64.7 |
2,834 |
34 |
10 |
|
Jones |
60.9 |
860 |
7 |
2 |
It's because of that fact Meyer can ill-afford to utilize a dual-QB system. Attempting to platoon two NFL ready QBs would only derail his national championship dreams.
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.