An aerial attack ensued in the ‘Shoe during Ohio State’s spring game on Saturday, with the Scarlet coming away with the 38-31 victory over the Gray. Ohio State threw the ball all over the field during Saturday's spring game as quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Dwayne Haskins combined to throw for 555 yards and six touchdowns. It was another quarterback who delivered the game-winning score, though, as Tate Martell's very first play came with just under five minutes remaining. It was hard not to be impressed with each of the QBs vying to be JT Barrett’s backup. Burrow, Haskins, and Martell each showed good presence and big-play ability. Burrow was 14-for-22 for 262 yards and three scores, Haskins went 26-for-37 for 293 yards and three scores, and Martell delivered the game winner. I was impressed and happy that WR Johnnie Dixon was able to show what he could do. Dixon came to Columbus as a 4-star prospect and a deep threat with speed to burn. Chronic knee injuries, unfortunately, have kept him from regular playing time. That unending speed showed up on the 44-yard strike he reeled in from Burrow to beat Kendall Sheffield to the end zone. Dixon also had a nice juke move in space after catching the ball over the middle. Providing he can stay healthy, Dixon could be the bona fide deep threat the passing game has needed the past two years. Ohio State’s new H-back, Parris Campbell, was very active early. J.T. Barrett went to him three times on the first drive, which ended in a touchdown. Campbell finished with five catches for 46 yards, showing he is growing into that role. Eric Glover-Williams also had a strong performance from the H-back position. Transitioning over from the defensive backfield, he had seven catches for 64 yards.
Considering all the passing we saw, it’s not too surprising we didn’t see a ton of running from Mike Weber and J.J. Dobbins. Weber had just five carries for 13 yards and Dobbins had three for 16. Dobbins scored a touchdown, but it was hard to get a gauge on either of them in their limited involvement.
The offensive line still needs a little work. On more than one occasion, I noticed a free rusher was able to pressure Burrow and Haskins. Depth appears to still be a concern. However, the arrival of Thayer Munford and Wyatt Davis for August practice should help that somewhat.
New corners Shaun Wade and Jeffrey Okudah had a couple of rough moments starting out. Two of Ohio State's highest-rated members of its 2017 recruiting class got beat more than once in the first half of the Spring Game on Saturday. Okudah lost on three straight plays, including when he gave up a touchdown to Terry McLaurin in the back of the end zone. But, both improved as the game wore on. Okudah batted down a pass near the 5-yard line on Gray's final drive of the game, and then Wade knocked another to the turf in the end zone on the following play to seal Scarlet's 38-31 victory. Justin Hilliard and Jonathon Cooper, I thought, had the best games defensively on Saturday. Hilliard had seven tackles, looking impressive after coming back from injuries, and Cooper had a sack. I was also impressed by DB Kendall Sheffield, who recovered nicely after getting beat deep by Johnnie Dixon. Sheffield made a couple of impressive plays from the CB position thereafter.
Spring games are always fun. As more and more true fans find themselves priced out of game tickets, it becomes a treat for them. The future of the program is on display and many young, exciting players get their chance to show what they can do.
Next up, the Hoosiers of Indiana for the opener in Bloomington August 31. My 2017 B1G Conference previews will begin July 3.
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