Transfer would solve any quarterback controversy

Ohio State quarterback Joe Burrow impressed everyone during the spring game Saturday, which is why Dwayne Haskins Jr. likely gets the starting nod for the Buckeyes this fall.

That’s no knock on Burrow, the fourth-year junior who appears to be neck-and-neck with Haskins in trying to secure the most analyzed sports position in Ohio. Burrow could start for many Power 5 conference schools. That’s the problem. The last thing OSU needs is a quarterback controversy, where every bad throw gets attacked like a political post on Facebook and every poor decision has Buckeye Nation begging for the backup, whatever his name. Rob Oller

Haskins and Burrow played pretty much to a dead heat at Ohio Stadium, where 47,803 fans turned out to watch the Buckeyes, mostly paying special attention to the quarterbacks.

Haskins showed off his catapult arm, completing 9 of 19 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Included in his body of work was a 43-yard strike to Binjimen Victor. Haskins, a redshirt sophomore who led the Buckeyes to a comeback win against Michigan last season, did nothing to hurt his chances at winning the starting job.

Burrow was 15 of 22 for 238 yards and two fourth-quarter TDs: a 50-yard beauty to Demario McCall and a 42-yarder to McCall on the final play to give the Gray a 37-14 win against the Scarlet in the annual practice disguised as a game.

Redshirt freshman Tate Martell also saw considerable playing time but clearly sits third in the pecking order. At least as a passer. Martell’s shifty running ability makes him an attractive option in the red zone and in certain down-anddistance situations, but it is apples and oranges comparing him to Haskins and Burrow.

I’m on record that Haskins should and will start the Sept. 1 home opener against Oregon State, but Burrow has closed the gap. He is a slightly better runner than Haskins, shows great touch on short throws and — perhaps most important to coach Urban Meyer — seems to have the edge in leadership.

Meyer insists he places leadership/ toughness ahead of passing statistics when evaluating quarterbacks.

“Data is second. It’s something that helps you. It’s also factual,” he said.

But in the end, the decision may come down to a kind of sixth sense.

“Thirty years of gut (feeling). That will be part of it too,” Meyer said.

On that topic, one could read between the lines and make a case that Burrow has overtaken Haskins in the race to become the starter.

“Joe has to be one of the most improved quarterbacks, as far as delivery speed and arm,” Meyer said. “He’s always been a smart, tough guy and very good leader, but his improvement is very notable over the last couple years.”

It’s going to be a tough decision for Meyer, but weighing in Haskins’ favor is that Burrow might leave before a final decision needs to be made.

Burrow addressed speculation he may transfer, hinting it will come down to whether he is told in the near future whether he will be the starter.

“I came here to play. I didn’t come here to sit on the bench for four years,” he said. “I know I’m a pretty darn good quarterback, and I want to play somewhere.”

Burrow’s decision could come soon — Meyer plans to meet with his staff Monday to discuss the quarterback situation — because I don’t see any way Meyer guarantees him the starting job before fall camp. And while Meyer does not want the Athens native to leave, it would solve the quarterback quandary rather cleanly.

Burrow, who is on schedule to graduate in May, can transfer and play immediately, making for a somewhat or even mostly satisfactory situation for him, Haskins and Meyer. No quarterback controversy? No problem.