Ohio State's Delimma

Ohio State is in a precarious situation at the moment. On one hand Urban Meyer is sticking with Cardale Jones and the majority of Buckeye Nation wants JT Barrett. Cardale should get one more game to prove he is the starter; otherwise, I do not think Cardale is our QB. With Cardale Jones opposing defenses have learnt that Urban does not trust Cardale to throw it down the field, Cardale's size does not allow him to run the QB option affectively and he does not look like a leader on the field.

Last year we saw JT improve dramatically in a very short time frame. Cardale is not showing the same progress. At some point, hopefully soon, Urban will have to pull the plug. I am tired of hearing coaches talk about a game like it was supposed to be a game instead of it being a blow out. In no way shape or form should the last 5 games have been close games. They should have all been blow outs, but they were not. Our defense is the backbone of this team and have received no help from an embarrassing offense.

Last year we scrutinized Herman and Meyer for their play calling at this time. This year we are questioning the same situation. I do not see Ohio State's present situation as a dilemma more than I do an easily fixed problem. First and foremost, we need to stick to one classification of player. Opponents have realized what our offense looks like when Jet Sweeps and QB sneaks are called. I think that Braxton, Dixon, and Campbell should be our downfield receivers. Marshall, Wilson, and Vannett are our intermediate passing wide receivers, and Samuel and Zeke are our running backs. The offensive line can open holes for Zeke to run through as seen against Indiana.

I think, if Cardale stays our QB, that the WR should be sent downfield every single possession we have, that way the secondary and safeties have to decide whether they will stop the pass or the run. If they decide to stop the pass, then we send Zeke up the middle of the defense for big gains. If they decide to stop the run, then Cardale should throw the ball over their heads to our WR for easy touchdowns. Cardale should not be doing anymore QB sneaks because he simply does not do them well enough. We have a better chance of Zeke running for a touchdown on 4th and 1 then Cardale getting a 1st Down by pushing the pile forward.

If Cardale performs poorly against Maryland, I will be shocked if Urban keeps him in. I guess the question is this, if Cardale is the QB for our first loss will Buckeye Nation be calling for his head? What about Urban? If this team loses this year it will be due to self inflicted wounds.