In what will surely have many Buckeye fans looking for ledges to jump off of, the Ohio State football squadron gave up 78 points at home on Saturday.
Those fans, however, would be missing something special come August, as the team is just starting to warm up.
Hampered by injuries and absences during the spring practice season, the Buckeye offense only amassed 24 points in the modified scrimmage format used since Coach Tressel’s arrival in Columbus. Of this, the only true (non-wacky scoring system) points came from the kickers on two field goals.
According to Fox Sports Ohio’s Jeff Seemann, the scrimmage could have been more even if it weren’t for two factors. First, Terrelle Pryor is not (per the rules) allowed to scramble. Second, the center/QB exchange, usually a reliable factor between Pryor and Mike Brewster, was less than stellar today. Coach Tressel himself pointed to this being a huge factor in the score:
“I think offensively, it started when we had some issues with the quarterback-center exchange,” said Head Coach Jim Tressel. “When you have turnovers in our (scrimmage) scoring system that range anywhere from 3 to 12 points, you’re going to have a tough time catching up.”
On the other side of the coin, a defense which lost the most starters from last season seems to not be missing a beat. John Simon and Melvin Fellows both are showing the possibility of having a break out season, and the secondary has a swagger about it which will be beneficial in the fall.
Injuries to report: Jamaal Berry and Justin Boren both suffered foot/ankle injuries; these are not believed to be significant.
Continue to check in with tBBC and Spring Fever for your Spring practice news. The Ohio State spring game is next Saturday; the Buckeyes return to practice on Tuesday
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