Barrett back in saddle for No. 1 OSU

Associated Press

PISCATAWAY, N.J.

No. 1 Ohio State turns to J.T. Barrett to lead its offense against Rutgers tonight after seven games of ups and downs with Cardale Jones as the starter. The Scarlet Knights have had no such issues with their quarterback.

Chris Laviano has seized the job for Rutgers after a preseason competition that did not get nearly the attention as the one making headlines in Columbus, Ohio.

Laviano is second in the Big Ten in passer rating (156.14), leads in completion percentage (69.3) and is coming off a career game. The sophomore threw for 386 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Scarlet Knights (3-3, 1-2) from 25 points down to beat Indiana 55-52 last week.

“I think he’s making progress,” Rutgers coach Kyle Flood said. “Sometimes the progress is more visible to the naked eye or to the public than others. But we really have seen progress, and we’re pleased with how he’s working.”

If only Urban Meyer had it so easy with his quarterbacks. Jones has started since Week 1 against Virginia Tech but his play has been inconsistent at best, especially in the red zone, so this week Barrett was promoted by Meyer.

Last year’s Big Ten player of the year has accounted for seven touchdowns (five running and two passing) the last two games in relief of Jones.

Barrett was the Big Ten player of the year last season, leading the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record and accounting for a conference record 45 touchdowns before breaking his ankle. Jones took over and led the Buckeyes to the national championship. Since then, the quarterback situation for Ohio State (7-0, 3-0) has been one of the most-talked about topics in college football.

What to watch for — beside who is playing quarterback for the Buckeyes — when Ohio State makes its first visit to Rutgers.

CARROO WATCH

Rutgers star receiver Leontee Carroo is nursing an ankle injury that will make him a game-time decision.

Carroo has played in only 31/2 games this season because of suspensions but still leads the team with 21 catches for 472 yards and nine touchdowns.

His return to the lineup the last two weeks has been a big reason why Laviano has played so well against Indiana and Michigan State.

Flood said Thursday that Carroo was “moving in the right direction.”

SELLOUT

This is exactly what Rutgers envisioned when it joined the Big Ten.

Tickets are sold out for the nationally televised night game at High Points Solutions Stadium. It will be the fourth sellout in the two years the Scarlet Knights have been in the Big Ten.