There may be some alternative reality where Cardale Jones never makes it. Where he doesn't survive East Cleveland, where he never makes it to Ohio State, where, when forced into game action by injury, he fails.
And no one would probably question that reality, because it's predictable and all too common. But that's not our reality.
On Saturday, Cardale Jones will once again be the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes -- thrust into the role because of J.T. Barrett's unfortunate, but deserved, suspension.
In doing so, Jones will continue one of college football's greatest magic tricks - his transformation from a malcontent to one of the most reliable players on the Buckeye roster.