2019 Spring Practice

           The Ohio State Buckeyes concluded spring practice with the annual Spring Game at Ohio Stadium with flawless weather.  Perhaps the most unexpected highlight was during the halftime intermission when punter Drue Chrisman found a unique way to propose to his lady.  On the field, the focus was on quarterbacks Justin Fields and Matthew Baldwin.  Fields has been considered the heir to Dwayne Haskin’s job and he showed some flashes of brilliance with some shifty running.  His 98 yard touchdown throw to Johnny Dixon was right on the money.  However, that was one of only four completions on the day.  Matthew Baldwin played for both sides and went 20 for 36 for 246 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.  Baldwin was accurate on most of short and medium throws and one of his picks came on a tipped pass.  Chris Chugunov also made some good throws as all three of these quarterbacks were witness to some fine plays made by the receivers.  Perhaps the best catch I saw was true freshman Garrett Wilson, whose twisting, turning catch over Sevyn Banks went for a touchdown for the Scarlet.  Jaelen Gill led all receivers with seven receptions for 95 yards. 

 Master Teague, who will probably slide into the backup spot behind J.K. Dobbins, showed the straight-ahead power we saw last year, running for 75 yards on only seven carries.  He scored the first and final touchdowns of the game.  Marcus Crowley also showed some power, as he led the Scarlet in rushing with 50 yards and a touchdown.  

                Safety Jahsen Wint was the defensive star of the game, picking off Chugunov and Baldwin on consecutive Scarlet drives in the second quarter, enabling the Gray to maintain their lead.  Amir Riep had extended playing time and played well, with an interception.  DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste led all defenders in tackles for the Gray with six and also got a sack.  CB Lloyd McFarquhar led the Scarlet with five tackles.  Noah Potter and Haskel l Garrett played well, each getting a sack that stopped Scarlet drives and each breaking up a pass.

                We didn’t see much of special teams as there were no kickoffs and punts were not returned.  However, Christman averaged 43.5 yards per punt and Blake Haubeil was good on his only field goal attempt from 23 yards. 

                The season opener against Florida Atlantic is 20 weeks out and it will be interesting to watch several position battles on the offensive line and Coach Day has indicated that the contest for the starting QB job between Baldwin and Fields is still not settled.  So stay tuned when the Buckeyes take the field in early August for pre season practice.