COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State coach Urban Meyer faces a dilemma.
He watched the Gray team beat the Scarlet team 17-14 in front of a spring-game record crowd at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, but he didn't necessarily like what he saw from the defending national champions.
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Meyer's dilemma: The Buckeyes didn’t get better as a team, but there were individuals who did improve.
“You can tell my head’s spinning a bit,” Meyer said. “This is a critical offseason for us. It’s really critical. Because like I said, we did not improve. It’s no one’s fault. How do you get better when half your team is not playing?”
Here are three takeaways from Ohio State’s spring game:
Cardale found Corey
Cardale Jones remains the center of attention for the Buckeyes, but the three-way quarterback battle with Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett won’t be settled until the summer. Jones finished 19-of-42 passing for 304 yards in a game where running plays were at a premium.
"That wasn't a Cardale day,” Meyer said. “I could give you a bunch of excuses, but he's gotta be much sharper than that. For the spring, I'd give him a very good spring."
In the meantime, Jones found a friend in Corey Smith, who caught TD passes of 58 and 37 yards. Smith caught two passes for 76 yards in the College Football Playoff championship win against Oregon. He could be a breakout candidate at receiver for the Buckeyes.
A bigger ensemble cast
Ohio State already features a ready-made roster of All-American candidates such as Joey Bosa, Taylor Decker, Ezekiel Elliott and whoever starts at quarterback.
Meyer praised the efforts of offensive lineman Billy Price along with receiver Noah Brown, who impressed with a one-handed catch in the first half. Meyer also said Brionte Dunn solidified depth at the tailback position behind Elliott and Curtis Samuel, who spent the spring playing on the perimeter.
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Defensive linemen Sam Hubbard, who had two sacks, Tommy Schutt and cornerback Gareon Conley also impressed Meyer.
The secondary is a strength
Ohio State managed five interceptions, including the highlight-reel pick where Tyvis Powell intercepted his roommate Jones, who ran down Powell for the tackle. Powell then posed in a faux selfie with Jones.
“I know he knew I knew what he was doing,” Powell said. “And he threw it anyway. So I had to shut him off. So I picked him off. That’s how it’s done.”
The Buckeyes finished with five sacks and five interceptions between the two teams. Erick Smith added two interceptions for the Scarlet team.
