CLEVELAND, OH – Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones hadn’t started a game for the Buckeyes before December 6th. Many people weren’t aware of his capabilities on the field, or even his name around the country!
But as of today people are aware of Cardale Jones and his amazing God-given talents. Jones went from being the 3rd quarterback on The Ohio State University roster, to being known around the country as “12 Gauge” and “The man who won the Sugar Bowl”.
After his performance in the final three games of the season, Jones had a life changing decision to make, and he didn’t have much time to think it through. Jones announced that he would be returning to school and not declaring for the NFL Draft. Jones called it a simple decision for himself.
“The NFL, after three games, was out of the question for me,” Jones said. “Of course I want to play in the NFL, but I want the timing to be right.”
“The most important thing for me, football has always been the stepping stone for my education.”
It’s been a crazy season, and not only for Jones, but the entire Ohio State University football program. Here’s a timeline of events that happened during this historical season:
- OSU loses Heisman candidate quarterback Braxton Miller to shoulder surgery before season.
- T. Barrette steps in as OSU starting quarterback.
- OSU loses to Virginia Tech the second game of the season; people count OSU out of the National Championship race early.
- T. Barrette leads OSU to 10 straight wins after the Virginia Tech loss while setting some great records.
- T. Barrette becomes Heisman candidate.
- T. Barrette fractures ankle and is out for the remainder of the season.
- Walk-on OSU football player Kosta Karageorge commits suicide a week before the BIG10 Championship game.
- 3rd string quarterback Cardale Jones makes his first start in the BIG10 Championship against Wisconsin and their Heisman candidate running back, Melvin Gordon. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 59-0.
- Cardale Jones makes his second start against Alabama and their Heisman candidate wide receiver, Amari Cooper in the semifinals of the first ever college football playoff. Ohio State defeated Alabama 42-35.
- Cardale Jones makes just his third start against Oregon and their Heisman winning quarterback, Marcus Mariota in the first ever college football playoff National Championship. Ohio State defeated Oregon 42-20.
This season had a lot of ups and downs for the Buckeyes, but they continued to play with the next man up motto and it worked out for them! They will forever be remembered as the team that fought through adversity and won the first ever college football National Championship by way of the new playoff system.
