Rebuild or Reload? 5 Keys for Ohio State Success in 2016

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) looks to throw during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

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Hindsight is 20/20 so there is little doubt that the team will review the season and make some adjustments.

One decision will be easy. There won’t be a quarterback controversy. J.T. Barrett is the starter. This alone might be enough to improve the offensive consistency next season.

With Cardale Jones off to the NFL, it is time to find out which of the many quarterbacks on the roster will become Barrett’s backup. Given the schedule and the history of the position under Meyer, it is likely the backup will see some significant action next year so getting one prepared is critical in case Barrett goes down.

Fortunately there is no shortage of potential at quarterback right now. Stephen Collier has been in the system three years and highly-rated true freshmen Joe Burrow and Torrence Gibson could both fill the void, though Gibson will likely end up at receiver.

The spring game will be an important step for both players, but my bet is the backup job is Burrows to lose. Collier is tall and strong, but he has not seen the field yet. He seems like he is just along for the ride. Burrows was a coveted recruit and he’ll get every chance to prove he deserves the backup position.

Next: Finding a Deep-Threat Receiver

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