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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Michael Chen

Thoughts following Ohio State’s Scarlet and Gray spring game

The annual Scarlet and Gray game went to Ohio State’s defense, winning 40-31. The modified scoring showed that the defense has made strides while the offense still has plenty of work to do.

It was only a spring game, but head coach Ryan Day must like the progress of some aspects of his football team. Others not nearly as much.

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It is hard to make judgements on what we saw today, even though there were times when it looked like real football, I’ll try to do that. Here are my thoughts following the conclusion of Ohio State’s spring practices ending with the LiFEsports Spring Game.

Kyle McCord looked average at best

Breakdown

We all wanted to see Kyle McCord grab the starting spot with Devin Brown not playing but he didn’t exactly do that. More than a few questionable throws that could have resulted in interceptions were thrown. McCord missed a couple easy throws as well. Was it a product of the offensive line not being a finished product? It could have been, but that doesn’t discount the fact that he missed some gimmies. There’s a lot of work to do here and this battle will continue into the fall.

Defense is ahead of the offense

Breakdown

Was this a product of a vanilla offense? Was it that the team is much more comfortable with defensive coordinator’s Jim Knowles scheme? It’s probably a mixture of both but what we saw today was extremely encouraging. Strange to think that a Ryan Day team at this point in time has much more work to do on the offense but here we are. Let’s dig a bit deeper into what we saw defensively.

Defensive line looked very good

Breakdown

Coming into today, depth was something that we really needed to see a jump on with the line. They showed that today. Kenyatta Jackson is first on my list of breakouts, he had a very impressive showing. caden curry is right behind him on that list. Jack Sawyer is still adjusting to returning back to the line, but still made a few plays. The defensive tackles played very well as a group. Hero KanuMichael Hall Jr., and Ty Hamilton all had good days.

Linebackers depth is improving

Breakdown

It was a blessing in disguise when Tommy Eichenberg was ruled out of spring with a minor injury because it gave C.J. Hicks a chance to prove that he deserves to be on the field. He was great today, especially in coverage where he almost picked off a pass. Cody Simon and Gabe Powers had a solid showings as well, proving that if there is a in-season injury to either of the starters, the backups won’t skip a beat.

Secondary very solid showing

Breakdown

This group really needed a big spring and they came up strong. Denzel Burke looked like he found his swagger that he had year one. Ryan Turner broke up a few passes. Early enrolling freshman Jermaine Matthews looked like he belonged. When you don’t hear the defensive backs name much, it’s a good thing. davison igbinosun played, but you didn’t hear anything about him, that to me means he did his job. The unit didn’t allow much through the air until late when most of the contributors weren’t in the game. Improvement in this department will make this defense that much better.

Embarrassment of offensive playmakers

Breakdown

It’s not just about the starters, it’s the backups as well. Waves upon waves of quality playmakers at wide receiver, running back and tight end. The list goes on and on. Yes, today the offense struggled a bit, but when the playbook is much smaller than it would be during the regular season, that’s going to happen. The offensive skill positions are deep and talented regardless of today’s outcome.

Still concerns about offensive line

Breakdown

Might this have been a reason the offense struggled? It very well could have been. The second transfer portal window opened today and expect the Buckeyes to look for depth at tackle. The current group has talent but the lack experience. Day couldn’t commit to anyone being named a starting tackle or at center, so the search continues.

Lots to work on before season starts

Breakdown

Like every other team across the country, this team has plenty of work to do. Luckily there are 4 months to get the work accomplished. With so many key positions still not having starters solidified, there’s going to be plenty of questions surrounding the 2023 version of the Buckeyes. They should get it all ironed out but right now they are nowhere near a finished product.

Will there be additions through the portal?

Breakdown

Spring football is now over and the Ohio State staff can now focus their sights to the season. What areas do they need to improve in? Offensive line is a glaring issue for me, see above, and there could be some options over the next two weeks in the transfer portal. It remains to be seen if the Buckeyes will go after any of those players, but if there is one need it’s for sure on the line.

The freshman are impressive

Breakdown

Early enrolling freshman wide receivers Carnell Tate and Noah Rogers each scored touchdowns. Two-thirds of the scores from the game actually. Tight end Jelani Thurman got his feet wet and could challenge for early playing time. Defensive back Jermaine Matthews made more than a few plays. Only about half of this group is on campus but they’re already showing why they were regarded as one of the best groups in the country.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Michael Chen on Twitter.

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