Justin Bieber’s concert will be bumped if Cavs-Pistons go five games
April 15, 2016And thus the real season begins: Cavaliers vs Pistons, Behind the Box Score
April 17, 2016Saturday’s Ohio State spring game will feature plenty of new (and young) faces, along with a bunch of fans in the stands who will be glad to have Buckeyes’ football back in The Shoe on what is expected to be a perfect day spring day in Columbus, Ohio. With plenty of young players who haven’t received much significant playing time, this Saturday will be unlike most spring games in the past, who have been full of familiar faces and upperclassmen. The Buckeyes will return just six starters from last season, including nine players who left school early and declared for the NFL Draft. Since head coach Urban Meyer arrived on campus prior to the 2012 season, the spring extravaganza has been more glitz and glamour for the fans to enjoy than anything else. But this year, the game will future many position battles and plenty of underclassmen that will be vying for playing time in the upcoming season, along with the “fun” part of the afternoon.
Oh, and Urban Meyer and the rest of the coaching staff has made it known that after being a year removed from setting a national record with 99,391 fans at their spring game in 2015, the coaches and team want over 100,000 fans packed into Ohio Stadium on what’s expected to be a perfect weather day in Columbus Saturday afternoon. Friday afternoon, it seems as though they may have reached that mark…and more, with the news that the scarlet and gray scrimmage is now a sold out. Part of the reason Meyer and the coaching staff want over 100,000 fans in the stands is to see how his young roster responds to playing in front of that many people. While the atmosphere won’t be as loud as a Saturday during the fall, the young players may still be under some pressure in front of that many spectators donned in scarlet and gray.
Things to watch for:
Position battles
Although it’s only spring, Meyer admitted during the Big Ten’s spring football teleconference that there are plenty of positions that multiple players are competing for. While the starting nod is not yet known, Saturday’s game can be the start of the decision if one of the players outplays the other. But, although one player might beat the other in the spring, there is still plenty of time for the players to prove themselves before Week 1. Luckily for the Buckeyes, while they may have plenty of position battles to deal with before Week 1 of the 2016 season on both offense and defense, their leader on offense and guaranteed starter will return in quarterback J.T. Barrett. Here are some of the positions battles to keep an eye on Saturday:
Running back
With the loss of Ezekiel Elliott, who was arguably one of the best running backs to ever come through Ohio State, the Buckeyes will have to look to another player to carry the load in 2016. So far this spring, it seems as though senior Bri’onte Dunn and Mike Weber are the two competing for the starting spot in the backfield, alongside Barrett.
While they are each competing for the starting job, Meyer stated as recently as Monday that the running back battle will not be resolved until at leas August and maybe even September, and Meyer could even go with a running back by committee, per cleveland.com’s Ari Wasserman.
Wide receiver
Who will replace Michael Thomas and company? Who will step up with the loss of the team’s top-four receivers from 2015? Playmakers such as true freshman Austin Mack, James Clark, Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, and Noah Brown will most likely be the top receivers heading into 2016, but the order of the respected players is still in question.
Offensive guard
Losing three of five starters on the offensive line, this unit is most likely one of Meyer’s biggest concerns. At the two offensive guard spots, Matthew Burrell, Demetrius Knox, Evan Lisle, and Michael Jordan. Fresh out of high school, Jordan is most likely the last option of the four, but still has a shot to start.
Secondary
Replacing three starters – safeties Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell – and cornerback Eli Apple, the defensive backfield will look much different in 2016. Malik Hooker is expected to start at strong safety, while Gareon Conley will most likely be one of the cornerbacks and Cameron Burrows at free safety. But the other cornerback position is still in question. Players such as Denzel Ward, Damon Webb, Damon Arnette, and Marshon Lattimore will compete for a starting nod in the Buckeyes’ defensive backfield. Erick Smith will also compete for a starting spot but he is currently injured and won’t be playing in the spring game.
New faces starting (and backing up), both young and old
With the loss of 16 starters from the Fiesta Bowl-winning Ohio State team in 2015, there will be plenty of position battles (as I already talked about), but there will also be plenty of new faces starting for the Bucks in 2016. Here’s a look at some of the new guys:
Outside linebackers Dante Booker and Chris Worley
Replacing Darron Lee and Joshua Perry will be a tough task, but juniors Dante Booker and Chris Worley will look to not make the loss of the two as hard as it could be for the Buckeyes. While the two have never started in their careers, they have plenty of talent. Worley was Lee’s backup, and we all know how good of a player Lee turned himself into.
Left tackle Jamarco Jones
It will be hard to replace a guy like Taylor Decker, but Jamarco Jones has solidified his spot as the starting left tackle heading into 2016. He will be one of three new players on the Buckeyes’ offensive line next season.
Wide receiver Austin Mack
He may not start from day one, but as a true freshman, Austin Mack has already impressed the coaching staff enough that Meyer has stated that Mack will receive plenty of playing time during his first college season this fall. As a kid that should still be in high school and be preparing for his senior prom, Mack could be Ohio State’s next Michael Thomas if he continues to develop like he has already shown.
Quarterback Joe Burrow
J.T. Barrett is already the man behind center, but as seen in recent years, Ohio State’s backup quarterback has been a very important position. The Bucks lost second-string quarterback Cardale Jones, but Joe Burrow seems to be the man that will fill his shoes in 2016. But, Stephen Collier is on his heels to be the backup quarterback as well, even though Meyer has already stated that if the season were to start today, Burrow would be Barrett’s backup.
Halftime entertainment
Saturday afternoon may contain plenty of position battles in Ohio Stadium and new players looking to lock-up their positions, but it’s the spring game, so Meyer and company had to mix in a little fun as well.
- Fastest student competition
- QB Challege between J.T, Barrett and former Buckeye Cardale Jones, who will each be paired up with select students
- Big-man challenge that consists of former Ohio State greats: Kirk Barton, Bobby Carpenter, Jim Cordle, Jack Mewhort, and Anthony Schlegel will challenge each other at a punt-catching contest
Fan giveaways and picture time
There will be some cool perks for fans attending the game. Not only will they be back in The Shoe on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and be able to watch some Buckeyes football in-person, but autographed jerseys from the 2014-15 football season will be given away to some lucky fans, as long as they hang on to their tickets stub. Also, fans will be able to take their picture with the 2014 inaugural College Football Playoff Championship trophy and the 2015 Fiesta Bowl Trophy.
Coached by Greg Schiano with assistants Ed Warinner, Larry Johnson, and Tim Beck, the scarlet team will go up against a gray team coached by Tony Alford and assistants Kerry Coombs, Zach Smith, Greg Studrawa, and Luke Fickell. Eleven Warriors has laid out each of the team’s rosters.
The game is set to begin at 1:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network, following Ohio State’s lacrosse game against Michigan at 11 a.m. ET.