No. 1 Ohio State will start quarterback J.T. Barrett in Saturday’s game against Rutgers, replacing Cardale Jones.
Coach Urban Meyer made the announcement Tuesday.
Barrett lost the starting job to Jones following a closely watched quarterback battle in the offseason for the defending national champions. But Jones has struggled to find the form that helped him lead the Buckeyes to the national title last season.
Jones has just seven touchdowns against five picks this season. He threw for just 84 yards in last week’s win over Penn State.
Barrett has come on in recent weeks, with seven total touchdowns in the last two games.
Meyer says red zone and third-down production were the main reasons for the switch.
Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett drops back to pass against Penn State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Penn State 38-10. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett, center, runs up field between Penn State defenders Austin Johnson, left, and Carl Nassib during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Penn State 38-10. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer shouts to his team during the first half of their NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
