Do not envy Cardale Jones. Sure, staring at quarterback for Ohio State University in the Big Ten Championship Game against the University of Wisconsin Badgers might seem like a dream gig, but the pressure he faces is difficult to imagine.
Jones has been thrust into the starting role after starter J.T. Barrett was lost for the season with a broken ankle in the Buckeyes' 42-28 win over rival Michigan in Week 14. With only 19 career pass attempts to his name, all eyes will be on Jones as he attempts to win the championship and earn No. 5 Ohio State a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
That being said, don't pity Jones either. He's an uber-athletic, dual-threat signal-caller who has flashed potential in limited opportunities as a Buckeye.
No. 13 Wisconsin is too good of a team to let a Buckeyes offense led by a third-string quarterback run rampant, but Jones should be able to make good enough use of the myriad of physical gifts he has to propel Ohio State to a win in the Big Ten championship and a shot at making the College Football Playoff.
Ted Ginn Sr. coached Jones at Glenville High School and notes the sophomore pivot has plenty of experience running Ohio State's offense. With a week to prepare as the starter, Jones should be comfortable in his role.
"He's been there. He's been running the scout teams. He's been second in line, and I'm quite sure he knows how to run the offense. He's not totally green. One thing I know, he's not scared. And he's going to be prepared. He's an intelligent guy. I don't know what will happen, but I know he'll be prepared," Ginn said, via Fox Sports Ohio's Zac Jackson.
ESPN 850's Bruce Hooley trusts the system to help Jones produce on Saturday:
Ohio State's up-tempo attack should serve Jones well. If he can sustain drives and push the pace, wearing out the Wisconsin defense should allow him to use his big frame and powerful legs to pick up crucial yardage on the ground.
"The first thing that strikes you is his size," said Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, via Genaro C. Armas of The Associated Press (h/t Minneapolis Star Tribune). "One of their top plays is the quarterback sweep, and he's awfully good at it. ... He lowers his shoulder, runs over guys [and] runs around guys."
At 6'5" and 250 pounds, Jones is indeed tough to bring down with just one defender. He's carried the ball 26 times this season for 206 yards, which comes out to a robust 7.9 yards per carry.
However, few would be surprised if the Buckeyes got off to a slow start against the Badgers.
Wisconsin is ranked second in the nation in total defense, allowing just 260.3 yards per game. The Badgers are especially robust against the pass, allowing opposing quarterbacks to throw just 10 touchdown passes and post a 104.85 passer efficiency rating, per NCAA.com.
It's a tough task, but it's not like Jones is going it alone. Head coach Urban Meyer notes Jones' teammates will be instrumental to his success as well.
"I've said it at least a couple hundred times since the beginning of the week that the quarterback is a product of those around him," said Meyer, via Jackson.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott is a fine player to have in the backfield alongside Jones. Elliott has rushed for 1,182 yards this season, and their combined threat could stretch the Badgers defense on read options. He has solid options in wide receivers Devin Smith and Michael Thomas, as well as a sturdy offensive line.
With all this talent, it's little wonder Barrett was able to step into a starting role for an injured Braxton Miller this season and run an offense that put up 44.1 points per game.
Jones' is also gifted with excellent arm strength. Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman gave an off-the-charts rating for his throwing power, via Scout.com's Ryan Ginn:
Unfortunately, he hasn't had many opportunities to show it off this year. Jones has completed 10 of 17 pass attempts for 118 yards and two touchdowns in 2014, mostly in garbage time. The most passes he's thrown in a single game is nine, which came during a 55-14 Ohio State win over Illinois.
The lack of game reps is disconcerting, but it could work in Jones' favor. Wisconsin may be unprepared for his elite arm strength, and Jones could test the Badgers downfield with a few big throws and engineer some quick scoring drives. If the Badgers do come to respect his abilities, then it could open up more underneath routes—not to mention the rushing attack.
Jones will have some success against Wisconsin, and Ohio State's own defense will shut down Badgers quarterback Joel Stave, limit Melvin Gordon and ensure the Buckeyes come out on top. However, the lack of experience will hurt the Buckyes early, and the win won't be pretty.
If Ohio State loses, it will have no chance of making the College Football Playoff. A slim win might get the Buckeyes in, but they will have to hope for a Florida State loss in the ACC championship or a lame-duck performance from No. 3 TCU against Iowa State. Should Jones and company beat down the Badgers rather easily, they could slip past the Horned Frogs, but the Seminoles' No. 4 ranking serves as a buffer zone of sorts in that scenario.
All in all, it will be a memorable season for the Buckeyes if they capture the Big Ten championship despite losing Miller for the season back in August. Few programs in the country would be able to survive such adversity, but Meyer has proved his worth as a coach and built a thriving program that should be well set up for future success.
All rankings via CollegeFootballPlayoff.com.
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