Spring Games (Huh!), What Are They Good For?

Absolutely nothing?

Well, that depends on what you are looking for.

If you are a desperate fan base whose team hasn’t gone to a bowl game in two years, you might be inclined to look for glimmers of hope in the spring game.

“Did you see how well [insert name] performed? We are going to be better this year for sure!”

If this is your attitude going in to the spring game, then yes, it is worth absolutely nothing.

How much can you really learn from the first team offense playing against the second team defense? Not much.

But when you are desperate, you will use anything to make you feel better.

If you aren’t following me, here is the take away: any Michigan fans making predictions about next year based on the spring game are full of it.

Similarly, as Ohio State fans, we shouldn’t expect too much out of the Spring Game. Will it be entertaining? yes. Will I be watching? yes. Will it be great to see the scarlet and gray in the Shoe on a Saturday afternoon? absolutely.

But here’s the thing, Ohio State is going to be a great team next year regardless of what happens in the spring game. If Pryor throws 5 touchdowns, great. If he throws 5 interceptions? meh.

The point is, being overly negative or overly positive about the upcoming season based on the spring game is pointless.

The first team offensive line will be split up, the first team defensive line will be split up, Pryor’s favorite targets that he has been developing chemistry with all spring may not be on the same team as him.

So, as Ohio State fans, let’s enjoy the Spring Game for what it is (an exhibition) and not get all worked up over what it’s not (a preview of the upcoming season).

Like I said, Ohio State is going to be a great team next year, regardless of what happens on Saturday, because they were a great team last year and practically everyone is coming back.

Isn’t it nice knowing that? After all, relying on performances against the second team in an exhibition game is a pretty pathetic reason to be optimistic for the upcoming season, and just one more reason why we can all sit back and laugh at Michigan.

I am not saying we shouldn’t be excited about Saturday, after all, it is going to be awesome, but don’t expect to take much away from it.

Here is a nice rundown of what to look for on Saturday from Vico at OurHonorDefend.

Let’s enjoy the individual performances  and a chance to see some hitting, let’s enjoy seeing the scarlet and gray on the field once again, hell, let’s even get optimistic if it is warranted, but let’s not get too carried away.