Welcome to Eleven Warriors' one-stop shop for coverage of Ohio State's 2023 spring game.
In our Spring Game Central, we've included the scrimmage scoring format and some articles that previewed the exhibition before Saturday. We will also update the post as we collect sights and sounds from Ohio Stadium, taking you inside the Shoe for what should be a special day of football off the banks of the Olentangy River in Columbus.
Ohio State's spring game will start at noon, with the first snap officially scheduled for 12:05 p.m. The scrimmage will be broadcast live on Big Ten Network, with Chris Vosters, Joshua Perry and Brooke Fletcher on the call. Paul Keels and Jim Lachey will also provide radio coverage on 97.1 The Fan.
Ohio State's QB Competition Unresolved at End of Spring
Ohio State's quarterback competition remains unresolved after the spring game, and both Kyle McCord and Devin Brown intend to remain with the program as the battle wages on this summer and fall.
Ohio State's Defense Finishes Strong in Spring Game
Ohio State’s defense built momentum all spring and finished strong in the spring game, giving Ryan Day “reason for optimism for sure” about that side of the ball's improvement as the program moves forward in 2023.
Ryan Day, Kyle McCord and Devin Brown Breakdown Spring Game
Ryan Day saw he found "sparks" of success from Kyle McCord in the spring game and believes Ohio State's offensive line play was "inconsistent." He also continues to be impressed by the secondary and defensive line.
Ohio State's Defense Defeats the Buckeye Offense, 40-31
Ohio State’s defense won the day in the Buckeyes’ spring game, defeating the offense 40-31 as Chip Trayanum, Archie Griffin, Carnell Tate and Noah Rogers scored touchdowns.
Archie Griffin Runs for a Touchdown in Spring Game
Archie Griffin is still scoring touchdowns for Ohio State. The two-time Heisman Trophy winner last suited up for Ohio State in 1975, but the legendary running back had another opportunity to show off his running ability during the spring game.
Highlights
Josh Fryar. WR1. pic.twitter.com/yw9xDBIokh
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 15, 2023
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 15, 2023
Jayden Ballard. Ew! pic.twitter.com/t3CR7tTFyx
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 15, 2023
Chip Trayanum pic.twitter.com/i6GoyJrh0W
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 15, 2023
Ok. Ok. One more look at the Chip Six. pic.twitter.com/8tWD5gJZzv
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 15, 2023
Garrett Wilson on Marvin Harrison Jr.: "He's better than anything I've seen, so watching Marv is truly an honor."pic.twitter.com/nUydLFJPvO
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 15, 2023
Archie Griffin, college football's only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, scores a touchdown in Ohio State's spring game. What a moment. pic.twitter.com/01xx885Tan
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 15, 2023
Do it to 'em, Arch! pic.twitter.com/bCkp1us0kl
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 15, 2023
Another look at Archie Griffin's incredible touchdown run. pic.twitter.com/HR4g00ZEE3
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 15, 2023
This play from Kyle McCord and Carnell Tate was a beaut. pic.twitter.com/tGK3T2VWDR
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 15, 2023
Pregame Sights and Sounds
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) April 15, 2023
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) April 15, 2023
Brian Hartline chatting with J.T. Barrett before Ohio State’s spring game: pic.twitter.com/Mn5tUi7pIH
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 15, 2023
Bucks are on the field for the spring game pic.twitter.com/YpYIPhFESx
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) April 15, 2023
Devin Brown (finger) looks on as Kyle McCord and the Buckeye QBs get warmed up. pic.twitter.com/dzqrwEVDBo
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) April 15, 2023
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Carnell Tate poised to have a big day at the spring game pic.twitter.com/3T8RipA8v8
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) April 15, 2023
Kyle McCord getting loose before the spring game. pic.twitter.com/p8HfPhlUki
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 15, 2023
Freshman TE Jelani Thurman could make a big first impression on Buckeye fans today pic.twitter.com/N338nAYsAl
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) April 15, 2023
Carson Hinzman warming up at center while working with McCord, Victor Cutler working with Tristan Gebbia. pic.twitter.com/zG9BhyW6Fz
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) April 15, 2023
Devin Brown taking pictures and signing autographs for fans before the spring game. pic.twitter.com/AVqj7ZS7kd
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 15, 2023
Scoring Format
The 2023 spring game will not feature the traditional structure of a regular season or postseason contest. Instead, Ohio State's offense will wear scarlet and Ohio State's defense will wear white as the two sides of the ball face off with a modified scoring format.
The offense will score as normal – touchdowns, extra points, and field goals. The defense, however, can score points in several ways:
- Touchdown: 6 points (extra point goes to the defense, as well)
- Takeaway: 3 points
- 3 and out: 3 points
- Sack: 2 points
- Forced Punt: 1 point
Status Report
Sixteen Ohio State players were listed as unavailable for the spring game, including five starters from last season: Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming, TreVeyon Henderson, Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg. The complete list of players is featured below:
- Emeka Egbuka
- Julian Fleming
- Xavier Johnson
- Evan Pryor
- TC Caffey
- TreVeyon Henderson
- Devin Brown
- Avery Henry
- Ja'Had Carter
- Kourt Williams
- Mitchell Melton
- Steele Chambers
- Tommy Eichenberg
- Reis Stocksdale
- Cayden Saunders
- Will Smith Jr.
Spring Game Preview
Is Kyle McCord ready to be Ohio State’s QB1? Does Justin Frye have the talent he needs on the offensive line? Is the defense prepared to step forward in Jim Knowles’ second year? Ohio State fans will be able to come up with their own answers to those questions when the Buckeyes participate in their annual spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
Last Call: Spring Game Edition
In our last chance to watch the Buckeyes for a few months, Carnell Tate, Jack Sawyer, Kenyatta Jackson and, of course, Kyle McCord are among the players we’ll be monitoring closely. We also provide our final thoughts and ask some questions ahead of the Team Scarlet vs. Team Gray scrimmage.
Over 35 Visitors Expected for Spring Game
Ohio State has recruiting momentum as the program prepares to welcome more than 35 recruits to campus on Saturday. Ryan Day believes that momentum has been generated from his staff's work on the trail and the peer recruiting of the players who have committed to this point in the cycle.
All Eyes on McCord
Devin Brown will miss Ohio State's 2023 spring game after he recently underwent a procedure on one of his throwing fingers. That means all eyes are on Kyle McCord, a third-year quarterback who has completed 41 of 58 passes for 606 yards and three touchdowns after two seasons with the Buckeyes.
Devin Brown to Miss Spring Game
Saturday's spring game won't feature a head-to-head matchup between Ohio State's two top quarterbacks after all. Ryan Day announced Wednesday that Devin Brown would miss the scrimmage needing a medical procedure on a finger on his throwing hand. Day said Brown “should have pretty much a full summer" after recovering from the injury.
Improved Cornerback Play Could Show in Spring Game
Tim Walton wants to restore BIA to its former glory this fall. To do that, he needs Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock, Davison Igbinosun, Jyaire Brown and the cornerback room to answer the bell in 2023. Their first opportunity comes in Saturday's scrimmage.
Offensive Line Not Where It Needs to Be Yet
Entering the spring, offensive tackle was a concern for Ohio State ahead of the 2023 season. Going into the spring game, that hasn’t changed. Josh Fryar has taken the lead at left tackle this offseason, while Tegra Tshabola and Zen Michalski battled at right tackle. Still, Ryan Day isn’t ready to call any of them starters yet.