Oct 20, 2015 03:22 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

After sticking with Cardale Jones at starting quarterback from the season opener through week seven, Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer is making the switch to J.T. Barrett.

According to ESPN, Meyer revealed his decision during a teleconference with reporters Tuesday. Since starting Jones in week one, Meyer indicated the role was Jones' to lose throughout the preseason and into the season, and now it appears that has happened.

Barrett will start Ohio State's road game this Saturday against Rutgers.

"Just sheer production," Meyer told reporters of his choice. "Cardale is going to be a very active part. Hopefully we'll keep him very much involved. It was a difficult decision, but the red-zone production and third-down production were the two areas that made the difference. [Barrett] earned that with the way he played Saturday."

In 15 pass attempts against Penn State, Jones completed nine for just 84 yards and did not contribute any positive yardage to the run game. Barrett finished the game completing all four of his pass attempts for two touchdowns, and he ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries as well.

ESPN's Joe Schad pointed out that Barrett has an 83.3 completion percentage in the red zone, which is more than 50 points higher than Jones'. Meyer also indicated his decision may not wind up being final, and nor does it mean Jones would not see the field anymore.

"Whether it's doing what J.T. did as far as keeping and staying into the game, coaching J.T., I expect Cardale will be very similar in his role as J.T," he said of the role reversal in the QB depth chart. "Now, not necessarily in the red zone, we'll make those decisions and see how he practices this week."

(Quotes, stats: ESPN)

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit