J.T. Barrett to Start for Ohio State Against Rutgers

The No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes continue their march toward their second straight national title on Saturday when they play the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Ohio State has played two quarterbacks most of the season, with Cardale Jones starting and giving way in red zone formations to J.T. Barrett. However, that will change today, as Barrett will be the starter.

This is not an unexpected move, as it seems somewhat evitable after Barrett played a part in four touchdowns while in relief last week of Jones versus Penn State.

Barrett could conceivably take the starting role and run with it, which would bring to an end the questions of who is the No. 1 QB in Columbus.

However, as Urban Meyer the head coach said a number of times this season, whatever is necessary to win.

Meyer on Tuesday said that Cardale Jones would have an active part in the game as well. Meyer hopes the offense can keep Jones involved, as the decision has been very difficult since both players are equally talented.

Barrett helped Ohio State break out of its funk in the red zone, guiding the Buckeyes offense each time they were within the 20-yard line into the end zone on six consecutive possessions against Maryland.

That trend continued versus Penn State. Barrett had two touchdowns rushing and two in the air in five trips to the red zone. The other was a field goal.

The Buckeyes are only No. 81 in the country in third down conversions and No. 72 in converting red zone possessions into touchdowns at 61%.

The way the offense for Ohio State is set up, it seems that Barrett is a better overall fit. He is a strong runner and makes decisions quickly in his zone read option.

In the game with Penn State, Barrett had 102 yards rushing which neutralized a strong pass rush by the Nittany Lions that was giving Jones some difficulty.

Jones has thrown seven touchdowns and five interceptions and is No. 48 in the country with a 141.23 passer rating.

Against Penn State he has just 84 yards passing and following two series in the second half, Jones was replaced for good by Barrett.

Players have said the two-quarterback system was not creating problems on or off the field.

What opponents can be sure of is that Meyer will mix things up if needed or he will stay with Barrett if he is successful.

With his record of national championships, who can question his methods?