The annual LifeSports Ohio State spring game has kicked off and although the format is different and no tackling will take place, the hype and anticipation is as high as ever. With one of the biggest quarterback battles in Ohio State history taking place, below is some of our notes from the first half, as things will now switch to a different format.
Some of the names and numbers might be different, but so far at least, it looks pretty clear that there is abundant talent and playmaking, most especially in the passing game.
Here is our halftime, three and out review of what we saw during the first half of a beautiful scene of Ohio State playing football in the ‘Shoe with some of the general public in attendance once again.
NEXT … The talent at wide receiver
This is the best receiving corps in college football
Everyone in the country already knew Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave were the best receiving combo in the country, but freshman phenom and son of an NFL legend Marvin Harrison Jr. actually scored the first touchdown. He showed that he has the ideal size and length to dominate in the red zone with six receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is looking smooth as well with five receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown.
C.J. Stoud hooks up with Marvin Harrison, Jr. for the first TD of the day, a five-yard strike. #GoBucks https://t.co/6MAVWSgOxj
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) April 17, 2021
NEXT … What about the race to start at QB?
C.J. Stroud sure appears to be leading the quarterback competition
Jack Miller III started the game and looked cool and confident displaying his quick release on the first drive, but he threw an interception due to his ball being severely underthrown and seemed to lose a little command. Miller is 12 of 23 for 100 yards on the day.
Kyle McCord loves to sling it down the field as evidenced by his 9 for 13, 130-yard stat line, but maybe too YOLO for this offense. C.J. Stroud on the other hand has shown a great understanding of the offense and has displayed the right amount of “let him go up for it” attitude, but also taking off and throwing it away when needed. Stroud has gone 11 of 13 for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
Kyle McCord connects on a 50-yard plus laser to Garrett Wilson. Not bad for his first throw of the day! #GoBucks https://t.co/qfJFOUUdqB
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) April 17, 2021
NEXT … So about that freshman defensive end
Jack Sawyer is worth the hype!
Ohio State has been an absolute defensive end factory and Zach Harrison was viewed as the next in line. But freshman Jack Sawyer has been dominating the spring game with three sacks. The local boy from Pickerington, Ohio is worth his five-star hype.
Some power from Jack Sawyer pic.twitter.com/uE1BJAiwlN
— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) April 17, 2021
It’s been fun so far, and now we wait to see what unfolds for the second half where the offense will be going against the defense. We should see unit combinations and maybe get a little sense of who is with the first, second, and third strings. Of course, we’ll caveat all of that with the fact that head coach Ryan Day is unlikely to give anything away, but it won’t stop us from observing.
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