Cardale Jones starts at quarterback for Ohio State

Ohio State quarterbacks J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones were candidates to start against Virginia Tech.

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones got the starting nod over J.T. Barrett in the Buckeyes’ first game of the season against Virginia Tech on Monday night. 

Head coach Urban Meyer declined to name a starter during fall camp, telling reporters in late July, “The first guy that jogs out at Blacksburg will be the starting quarterback.”

Jones and Barrett were the two candidates for the job, after former starter Braxton Millermoved to wide receiver. After Miller injured his shoulder before the 2014 season, Barrett filled in as the starter. Barrett injured his shoulder in the 12th game of the season and was replaced by Jones, who won the Big Ten championship game and two playoff games to lead the Buckeyes to a national title. 

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Barrett completed 64.6% of his passes for 2,834 yards with 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Jones threw for 742 yards and completed 61.3% of his passes in the three games he started, with five touchdowns and two interceptions. 

- Dan Gartland