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I can’t believe I’m defending the integrity of the Ohio State spring game, which until now has existed as a glorified scrimmage but on April 12 switches to a “showcase,” whatever that means.
The change from game to showcase is attributed to the shortened spring practice window. The Buckeyes have a condensed schedule after playing into mid-January as they won the CFP national title. Ohio State coach Ryan Day does not want to grind his players any more than necessary and playing a simulated game inside the Horseshoe creates too much risk of injury.
Ohio State is not alone in altering its spring plans. Nebraska, Texas and Oregon all have canceled their spring games, with playoff teams UT and UO saying they are doing so because of the shortened spring cycle and Nebraska coach Matt Rhule nixing it over worry that other teams will try to poach his players after watching them play a televised scrimmage.
I understand the thinking, but I don’t like it. As much as OSU’s spring game bore little resemblance to an actual game, it still was close enough to attract fans who never get the chance to watch competitive football in Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State quarterback Devin Brown is pursued by defensive end Eddrick Houston in the 2024 spring game.
I contacted former Dispatch columnist Bob Hunter, who years ago wrote an excellent piece about the OSU spring game providing a once-a-year opportunity for fans to watch the Buckeyes play in Ohio Stadium who normally would not be able to do so.
“The spring game was their only access to the stadium, their chance to go to an Ohio State football event,” Hunter said Friday. “They otherwise couldn’t afford tickets. I always noticed at the spring game there were a lot of families, a man and woman with four kids. They weren’t taking those kids to Ohio State football games. The spring…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/ohio-state-traditional-spring-scrimmage-202600177.html
Author : The Columbus Dispatch
Publish date : 2025-02-21 20:26:00
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