As it turns out, what Cardale Jones is doing is not singularly historical. Well, not exactly.
In the middle of summer camp, Jones was No. 3 on Ohio State’s depth chart. Injuries to Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett pushed the redshirt sophomore into the limelight and under center for tonight’s College Football Playoff championship game.
Marcus Outzen will likely understand just what Jones is going through.
Entering spring practice in 1998, Outzen was the third-string quarterback on Florida State’s depth chart. Backup Dan Kendra sustained a significant knee injury that spring, and then starter Chris Weinke sustained a season-ending injury in early November.
Enter Outzen, who started the 1999 Fiesta Bowl that served as the BCS championship game against Tennessee.
Cardale Jones is 1st 3rd-string QB to start nat'l title game since Marcus Outzen (FSU) in 1998. FSU lost to Tennessee 23-16 @RealTruebacca7
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 12, 2015
If you’re an OSU fan and believe in signs, look away. Outzen was starting his third career game in the first-ever BCS title game after winning his first two career starts. Jones is starting his third career game in the first-ever CFP title game after winning his first two starts.
Adjust your wagering accordingly.