2022 Spring Game

 

The Ohio State Buckeyes concluded their 2022 spring practice with heavy hearts, one week after the passing of Dwayne Haskins, with around 60,000 fans in attendance at the stadium.  This year, the format was the offense (wearing scarlet jerseys) verses the defense (wearing the whites).  The defense got points on the board for such things as tackles for loss, stops on downs, and turnovers.  The offensive boys in scarlet pulled out a 36-24 win.

            Two tributes were held for the dearly departed Dwayne Haskins, one before the game, and one at halftime, along with a shrine of sorts outside the north entrance.  C.J. Stroud wore a number 7 shirt with Haskins name on the back for the first drive, then switched back to his own number 7 for the remainder of the game.  Stroud played five series in the first half and completed 14-of-22 passes for 120 yards with one touchdown a 29-yarder to Jaxson Smith-Njigba on the first drive.  Stroud was his usual efficient self, completing passes to seven other receivers, concentrating mostly on the short and medium routes.  Kyle McCord alternated with Stroud and threw for 129 yards and a 24-yard touchdown pass to Joe Royer on the second drive.  True freshman Devon Brown also saw some action, hitting on 11 throws for 141 yards and a 19-yard touchdown pass to Reis Stocksdale in the third quarter.  Miyan Williams led the rushing attack with 101 yards on 15 carries, while Evan Pryor showed he is ready to compete for the backup RB position by netting 62 yards on nine carries, including a twisting 22-yard touchdown run.

            New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles gave us a look at his 4-2-5 defensive scheme.  J.T. Tuimoloau and Noah Potter impressed me the most, garnering two “would be” sacks (if tackling the QB was permitted).  So did Jack Sawyer and Jaden McKenzie, who each had a “sack” and made plays all over the field.  Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg led the way with 10 tackles and played alongside Steele Chambers in the 4-2-5 alignment.  Everybody in the secondary made some plays.  Denzel Burke broke up what was almost a TD pass from Stroud to Marvin Harrison Jr.  Freshman Safety Kye Stokes and sophomore cornerback Jordan Hancock were tested covering Smith-Njigba and Harrison, and both turned in pass breakups and did not get beat deep.  Walk-on Cameron Kittle turned heads as he saved a touchdown and had the game’s only interception.  The hitting and tackling increased in the second half, as the coaches allowed more of it, than in the first half.  With memories of offenses from Oregon, Michigan, and Utah pushing them around, Coach Day and Coach Knowles are out to change that.

            With spring practice now concluded with the opener against Notre Dame 20 weeks away, the Buckeyes should, once again, be the heavy favorite to win their fifth B1G championship in six years; their sixth in the last ten.