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.
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
#Buckeyes HC Ryan Day on QB Kyle McCord: "He's growing. I think the picture sometimes was clean. Other times was not as clean. … Overall, 15 practices, and there was improvement there."
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) April 15, 2023
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
Ryan Day on Spring Game performance: Offensive line inconsistent, but the good news is defense is getting into the backfield and causing problems. pic.twitter.com/8k5rU3SnQT
— Jerod Smalley (@JerodNBC4) April 15, 2023
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
One big play by the Ohio State offense, the Chip Trayanum TD run, but things are certainly skewed for the defense here. Offensive line continues to concern me, but the Ohio State defensive line also looks good.
— Patrick Murphy (@_Pat_Murphy) April 15, 2023
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 Kanu, Michael Hall Jr., and Ty Hamilton all had good days.
Linebackers depth is improving
Ryan Day on the emergence of CJ Hicks as one of Ohio State’s defenders:
“You’re starting to see it more and more. He’s making plays.”
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) April 15, 2023
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
There’s been a lot of talk about Denzel Burke getting his hands on more balls this spring, and he showed it with a pass breakup on a 3rd-down pass from Kyle McCord intended for Carnell Tate.
Jayden Fielding misses the first field goal attempt of the day wide right from 40 yards.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 15, 2023
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
Trayanum TD 🏃💨@Chipperrz_ x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/aco1BY7Yu4
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) April 15, 2023
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
Ryan Day said there was inconsistency on the offensive line and room to improve when they come back for summer camp
— Justin Holbrock (@NBC4Justin) April 15, 2023
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
Spring game has us counting down the days until kickoff! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/QwEqs3M1Iu
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) April 15, 2023
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?
It's a little after noon EST, and there's roughly 80 FBS football players already in the NCAA transfer portal today, the first day it's open for all.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 15, 2023
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
Carnell told us on NSD that he compares himself to Marvin Harrison Jr. https://t.co/3iTlqVRu0Y pic.twitter.com/jXWAblzAnd
— Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) April 15, 2023
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.
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