Welcome back to Ohio State football season, the Buckeyes kicked off the Scarlet and Gray game of 2023 and we finally get our first look at the 2023 squad. Everyone expects Ohio State to be back in the National Championship hunt, but they have a lot of questions that need to be answered.
With the injury to quarterback, Devin Brown keeping him out of the spring game, it will be the Kyle McCord show and will likely give him another leg up to become the starter on opening day, but has he truly shined yet? The Buckeyes also will miss a ton from the offensive line, but unfortunately with the semi-half-speed nature of the trenches, it is best to leave judgment on that unit until later. Below are three takeaways from the first half of the spring game.
Defensive Backs look improved
Near pick by #Buckeyes safety Sonny Styles on a 3rd-and-long throw from QB Kyle McCord.
McCord was looking for true freshman TE Jelani Thurman over the middle of the field.
Second dangerous throw of the day for McCord. pic.twitter.com/R9lidZsRJr
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) April 15, 2023
The defensive backfield was flat-out pathetic at points in 2022, but some guys have already shined this spring. Denzel Burke looks much improved and sticking to his guy-like flypaper, Jyaire Brown looks bigger and more competent and Sonny Styles is roaming like the All-American everyone expects.
Running Backs are stacked
1:39 left in Q2: Gray 23, Scarlet 10.
RB Chip Trayanum had a breakaway TD run on Student Appreciation Day. He has another here.
Great blocking by RT Tegra Tshabola (on DL Landon Smith) and TE Patrick Gurd (on S Sonny Styles). pic.twitter.com/EO3evr6Kv0
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) April 15, 2023
One of the few offensive fireworks has been the above explosive Chip Trayanum run from the first half, but overall the running back group looks like it could be the best in the nation. Miyan Williams looks healthy, Dallan Hayden looks more physically impressive, Chip Trayanum looks at home and TreVeyon Henderson is out with an injury, but we all know he’s a stud at 100%.
The quarterbacks have not stepped out
#Buckeyes QB Kyle McCord can't connect with WR Carnell Tate in the end zone on 4th-and-7. CB Jyaire Brown was there, close in coverage. pic.twitter.com/cIls3HPYlt
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) April 15, 2023
With Devin Brown hurt, this was the time to shine for Kyle McCord and he has fallen a bit flat. McCord has all of the physical ability to be a star and I am by no means worried, but it would be nice to see him sling some dimes and that has not happened yet.
