In the highly anticipated Ohio State Spring Game that featured a three-man competition for quarterback, defense led the way early on an overcast day in Columbus.
The Gray defeated Scarlet, 37-14 on Saturday afternoon, as the three quarterbacks rotated early and often as Dwayne Haskins, Joe Burrow and Tate Martell all earned reps with the first- and second-team offenses, switching which teams they played for.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCARLET | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| GRAY | 3 | 14 | 7 | 13 | 37 |
The first quarter featured just three points, however the offenses picked up midway through the second quarter.
Burrow led the first touchdown drive of the contest, completing 4-of-5 passes on the march as true freshman Master Teague plunged in from a yard out to give the Scarlet a 7-3 lead. Burrow finished the day a combined 15-of-22 for 238 yards and a pair of touchdowns playing for both teams.
On the ensuing drive, Mike Weber ripped off a 63-yard run for the Gray, which set up a 2-yard touchdown run from Martell on the next play, giving the Gray a 10-7 lead. Martell finished the day 5-of-16 for 28 yards through the air, and added 59 yards on the ground, including a 30-yard gain late in the first quarter.
Haskins then led a scoring drive of his own for the Scarlet squad, completing three straight passes for 49 yards, the last of which was a 25-yard dart to Jaylen Harris for a touchdown in the southeast corner of the end zone. Haskins finished the day 9-of-19 through the air for 120 yards and two scores.
Antonio Williams put the Gray team back on top with a 3-yard touchdown run on 4th-and-1, putting the Gray up 17-14 up at halftime.
The Gray team, which featured the majority of the starting offense, saw Isaiah Prince at right tackle and true sophomore Thayer Munford at left tackle.
Starting lineups for the first team offense and defense can be seen below.
Full first-team offense for Ohio State: Dwayne Haskins, J.K. Dobbins, Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, Austin Mack, Luke Farrell, Thayer Munford, Malcolm Pridgeon, Brady Taylor, Demetrius Knox, Isaiah Prince. But Joe Burrow already rotating at quarterback.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 14, 2018
First-team defense for Ohio State: Nick Bosa, Dre'Mont Jones, Robert Landers, Jonathon Cooper, Malik Harrison, Justin Hilliard, Baron Browning, Kendall Sheffield, Damon Arnette, Jordan Fuller and Isaiah Pryor.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 14, 2018
During a first quarter timeout, Ohio State honored former Buckeyes Malcolm Jenkins and Ryan Shazier, both received standing ovations from the crowd at Ohio Stadium. Shazier, who suffered a spinal injury last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was able to stand while leaning on a golf cart and wave to the fans.
Due to inclement weather in the area, Ohio State skipped halftime and moved right into the second half, which featured a running clock.
Haskins returned to the Gray squad and completed a pair of passes to Binjimen Victor, resulting in another touchdown. The first pass was a 43-yard gain up the sideline on a go-route, before Haskins followed it up with a back-shoulder throw for a 2-yard touchdown three plays later. Victor finished with 91 yards receiving on five receptions.
Demario McCall, who played for both squads, led all players in receptions and receiving yards, catching 11 passes for 165 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown reception from Burrow early in the fourth for the Gray team. Teague led all rushers, carrying 14 times for 73 yards and a score.
The lone turnover in the game came late in the fourth quarter, when cornerback Shaun Wade intercepted a Martell pass near the sideline.
Burrow added 42-yard touchdown pass to McCall on the final play of the game to close the scoring.
