J.T. Barrett vs. Cardale Jones: Latest on Ohio State's Starting QB Battle

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer revealed Cardale Jones will start over J.T. Barrett against Western Michigan on Saturday, per Ben Axelrod of Bleacher Report.

Continue for updates on the decision.

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Meyer Comments on QB Situation

Monday, Sept. 21

"We're turning the ball over at an alarming rate," Meyer said, per Marty Smith of ESPN.com. "It's more coaching than player performance."

Cardale Jones, who has started each of the Buckeyes' first three games, was removed after going 4-of-9 for 36 yards with two interceptions in Saturday's 20-13 win over Northern Illinois. J.T. Barrett spelled him for the second straight contest in the second quarter, struggling his way to 97 yards and a touchdown against an interception.

"If you have a very good player at No. 2 and No. 1 isn't performing, you have to make a change," Meyer said, per Smith.

The Ohio State quarterback battle was one of the most notable preseason storylines, as Jones and Barrett were both vital to the Buckeyes' national title run last year. Jones ultimately earned the starting gig but has managed only 334 yards and two touchdowns with three picks thus far. Barrett has seen a progressive increase in playing time over the last couple of weeks, though he's had his own issues with consistency.

Even the two quarterbacks have had a tough time figuring out the situation. Jones' Twitter bio became the subject of controversy Saturday when he made an allusion to the battle:

Despite the struggles, Kevin McGuire of College Football Talk stressed how the quarterback play has yet to harm the team's defense of its national championship:

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Meyer is a smart coach, so he knows the value of having one easily identifiable starting quarterback named. Meyer also knows it is a decision that can afford to delay for one more week before jumping into Big Ten play. Sure, it would be nice if Meyer could have had this settled by now, but the delay has not hurt Ohio State yet. The Buckeyes are still 3-0 and retain the top spot in the major polls this week, although the tight grip has been loosened in recent weeks.

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As it stands, Ohio State ranks 75th in yards per game and is outside the top 100 in passing yards. That's a far cry from last season, which saw the Buckeyes rank ninth in yards per game and a respectable 52nd through the air. These struggles are going to come back to haunt Ohio State, unless Meyer makes a decision soon and sticks with it.

With Big Ten play upcoming, the time for indecision is over.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.