COLUMBUS – Cardale Jones will remain top-ranked Ohio State’s quarterback Saturday against Western Michigan.
Coach Urban Meyer announced the decision matter-of-factly following practice Wednesday, two days after hinting he was considering starting J.T. Barret.
“If someone replaces you, they got to beat you out, that’s the approach we’re taking. And both ready to go,” he said.
Jones was pulled in the second quarter of a 20-13 victory over Northern Illinois on Saturday after throwing two interceptions.
The junior led Ohio State to the national championship last season and started the first three games this season.
Barrett was 11-1 last season starting for injured two-time Big Ten player of the year Braxton Miller before breaking his ankle in the regular-season finale against Michigan.
Jones replaced Barrett and led Ohio State (3-0) to victories over Wisconsin in the conference title game, Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinals and Oregon to the championship game.
The two have thrown for a combined 527 yards in the first three games of the season, along with four touchdowns and four interceptions.