Ohio State’s football team will have a Heisman front-runner taking snaps next season. Barring unexpected injuries to all three of the possible starters, this statement is widely accepted as fact. However, who that front runner will be is much more complicated process. Urban Meyer will have to choose between the quarterback who led his team to a national championship, a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and the reigning Big Ten Quarterback of the Year. It is easy to formulate explanations for why each should be the one leading the 2015 Bucks onto the field on September 7th in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech. Instead, I will run through a few reasons why each should not be the one on the field come Labor Day.
Cardale Jones
The big armed righty led the Buckeyes to their first National Championship under Urban Meyer a year ago against all odds. However, several reasons arise when pondering why he should not be the Ohio State signal caller this season. First, he lacks the athleticism of the other two candidates. While Cardale is no slouch as an athlete and showcased a very physical running style, the fear he strikes into defenses as a threat of breaking off a long run is much less than that of JT Barrett or, especially, Braxton Miller. RB Ezekiel Elliot is arguably the best player on this Ohio State team. He will command defenses attention on every down. For him to thrive and reach his full potential in this offense, he needs a quarterback who also strikes consistent fear into defenses on all downs. This fear would be much more apparent with JT or Braxton under center.
In addition, Cardale’s biggest strength may indeed be a weakness given his personnel. While his big arm was put on display with Devin Smith on the edge, the lack of a proven deep threat gives that arm strength less value in this offense. While I do not see it as a downside, it definitely is not as big of an upside without a Devin Smith on the other end of his cannon.
JT Barrett
JT Barrett excelled in Urban Meyer’s high octane, spread offense. He took on the role of distributor, and even showcased his underrated athleticism, and ability to run for power. However, in a season filled with expectations of repeating, the smallest slip up could cost the team that shot. While Ohio State found ways to win more often than not with JT under center, close games against the likes of Indiana, Penn State, and Minnesota did not make the Buckeye faithful comfortable. Barrett racked up 5 of his 10 interceptions in these games, and despite strong performances aside from these turnovers, the changes in possession clearly had an impact on the score of these games. In a season in which a giant target is painted on your back, you must accept that you’re going to get everyone’s best game. The smallest of mistakes, i.e. a turnover, could spell doom to an undefeated season, and a shot at a title.
Braxton Miller
Despite missing all of the Bucks’ 2014 season, multiple rumors have gained traction that the two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year may indeed be in the running for the starting job anyways. His explosiveness kept defenses head’s spinning throughout his tenure as quarterback. However, his need for the ball in his hands may be what keeps him off the field. Urban Meyer may just have his most talented group of playmakers since taking over at Ohio State. After a National Championship campaign, that is scary. However, that also means that there may not be enough touches to go around to all of this talent. Braxton Miller will command much of a defenses attention. But given his style of play, he will also be more inclined to keep that ball in his hands for the majority of snaps. The Ohio State Buckeyes need a quarterback who will share the ball with all of the talent on the field. Braxton Miller is not that guy when compared to the other two.
My Pick: JT Barrett
Look, I have no preference who starts for Ohio State. Each quarterback is great in their own way and gives the team a chance to win a title. I believe, however, that the team needs a point guard, not a powerful center or scoring small forward. JT Barrett is the best distributor of the three, which makes him ideal for leading the 2015 Buckeyes. Urban Meyer has to decide on whether he wants his quarterback to go out and win him games on their own, or if he would rather just have them not screw it up. I believe that JT Barrett brings the best balance of the two.
