Ohio State fans might have reason for concern over its quarterback competition following the season-opening win over Indiana.
Cardale Jones isn't one of those ready to throw in the towel on Kyle McCord.
The former Buckeyes starter took "X," formerly known as Twitter, defending McCord's performance following Saturday's 23-3 win over the Hoosiers. Jones, who led Ohio State to a national championship in 2014, noted how other quarterbacks have struggled in their first starter, primarily two-time Heisman finalist C.J. Stroud.
"Reading some of these tweets about OSU offense and the QB situation reminds me of 2 years ago," Jones wrote Saturday evening. "OSU opened up (at) Minnesota and it wasn't the high flying offense we were used to seeing as first year starter CJ Stroud took over."
McCord, who was named the starter Tuesday prior to Saturday's start, didn't wow fans with his production. The junior finished 20-of-33 passing for 239 yards and an interception. As an offense, Ohio State scored only two touchdowns and managed to muster up 380 total yards.
Devin Brown, Ohio State's No. 2 passer, only played two series and completed one pass for a loss of two yards.
Jones knows first-hand how facing pressure as a starter can come with struggles. Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett started the year under center, but injuries forced Urban Meyer to turn to Jones, who finished his first game 12-of-17 for 257 yards and two touchdowns in the Big Ten Championship against Wisconsin.
Jones' comments on Stroud were polarizing but poignant. Stroud threw for 294 yards with four touchdowns and an interception against the Golden Gophers in a 45-31 win, but it took time for the offense to hit its stride.
Stroud improved the rest of the way en route to an 11-2 finish capped off with a Rose Bowl victory over Utah. He threw for 484 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 2 loss against Oregon. He threw for at least 300 yards in every game besides a Week 3 win over Tulsa.
McCord spent three seasons learning coach Ryan Day's offense, thus leading to him edging out Brown for the starting job. Some gunslingers, however, have adapted to Day's play design faster than others.
Justin Fields made headlines in his first start back in 2019, tossing four touchdowns and scoring another with his legs in a 45-21 win over Florida Atlantic. Fields ended up being a Heisman finalist that season and later led Ohio State to the national championship in 2020.
Jones remains composed with the game's most crucial position entering Week 2's matchup against Youngstown State. Fans should have a better picture of the potential under center over the new two weeks before the Buckeyes travel to South Bend, Ind., for a Week 4 showdown against No. 13 Notre Dame.
"Be patient, this team can be scary!!!" Jones posted
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