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Ohio State's Urban Meyer says J.T. Barrett, Cardale Jones both may play in Buckeyes' opener

By The Sports Xchange
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) looks to pass in the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship, in Arlington, Texas on January 12, 2015. Photo by Shane Roper/UPI.
1 of 4 | Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) looks to pass in the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship, in Arlington, Texas on January 12, 2015. Photo by Shane Roper/UPI. | License Photo

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer hasn't made a final decision on his starting quarterback and isn't ruling out playing both stars in the Buckeyes' season opener.

J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones have been battling in training camp to determine the No. 1 quarterback to lead the defending national champions.

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The Buckeyes open the 2015 season at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., next Monday night.

"We'll announce the starter when the first guy takes the snap," Meyer said during his Monday news conference. "It's still very close, both guys are performing very well.

"If it was different skill sets, we probably would (need to decide), but they're not. If you look at J.T.'s game plan when he was our quarterback and Cardale's, it was very similar. There's a chance they'll both play, as well, so that hasn't really (been a factor) with our mindset with a game plan on offense."

Barrett and Jones said recently that they are opposed to a rotating system to run the Buckeyes' spread attack.

Barrett was named Ohio State's starting quarterback about a week before the 2014 season began after Braxton Miller was declared out for the year with a shoulder injury. Barrett had a Heisman-caliber season, leading the Buckeyes to a 10-1 record before fracturing his ankle in the regular-season finale against Michigan.

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Jones took over and in his first start led Ohio State to a 59-0 victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game. He followed that up with a Sugar Bowl win over Alabama and a national championship victory over Oregon.

"If you're not going to (start), get ready," Meyer said. "I'd like to see both guys involved. It could be in-game; it could be weekly.

"They're pros. J.T. has always been a pro and I'm amazing at how Cardale has handled himself."

Miller, a two-time All-Big Ten quarterback and player of the year, decided this summer to move to wide receiver to allow more time for his shoulder to heal.

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