Urban Meyer appears to be sticking with Cardale Jones as the starting quarterback, but the Ohio State head coach hasn’t ruled out using J.T. Barrett in the red zone.
According to Tim Shoemaker of Eleven Warriors, Meyer said the staff has discussed but hasn’t committed to sending in Barrett as a remedy to their scoring issues.
“We’ve thought about it; we’ve had that conversation. At this time, we haven’t made any decisions on that right now.”
Through five games, Ohio State ranks 108th out of 128 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Buckeyes have only converted 12 of their 16 red-zone opportunities.
What’s worse, though, is the Jones-led offense has only managed six touchdowns in 16 chances. Only 10 programs have fewer than six.
Ohio State reached the end zone 53 times in 74 opportunities last season, and that 71.6 touchdown percentage ranked 13th-best in the country. Those 53 touchdowns—most of which came while Barrett was the starting quarterback—led the nation.
Barrett might not be a perfect answer, especially if he comes off the bench without having taken previous snaps in a particular game. However, if the touchdown-less scoring trend continues with Jones under center, Meyer should do more than merely consider Barrett contributing as a drive-finisher.