This time they bent, but just like last week, they didn't break.Ohio's defense looked sluggish at the beginning but resumed its solid play from the week before in another strong performance Saturday at Peden Stadium in the team's second scrimmage of the spring.
The unit allowed six plays over 20 yards and allowed the offense inside the red zone three times in the first four possessions. That's where the offense's success ended, though, as the defense picked up the intensity to force the offense to settle for field goals.
We came out kind of slow
cornerback Mark Parson said. But we didn't let them get in the end zone so it was a good day.
Along with not allowing the offense to get a touchdown, the defense forced five turnovers on the day. Parson and safety Tony Ward had the unit's two interceptions while three others recovered fumbles. The defense matched its total of four sacks from last week's scrimmage.
Even when it looked like the offense would break off a play that could result in a score, the defense used its speed to prevent the big play. Tailback Josh Abrams' 32-yard dash, the longest running play of the day, looked like it was destined for a touchdown until a Bobcat defensive back chased him down.
We have the kind of team speed on defense now that kept (Abrams) from making big plays coach Frank Solich said. I think that's encouraging. Hopefully
we can continue to utilize that team speed.
What was maybe more encouraging in the 70-play workout was the improvement shown by the offense. Coming off a lethargic effort the week before, the offense showed it has the ability to move the ball down the field both by the run and pass.
Josh Febus, who was part of a three-quarterback rotation used throughout the day, got the offense started when he connected with wide receiver Chido Nwokocha on a 27-yard pass down the sideline. Febus finished the day 5-for-10 for 61 yards with an interception.
Theo Scott had the most impressive day of the trio, completing five of his six passes for 70 yards. He also broke off a 22-yard run, which could have been longer had the referees not blown the play dead prematurely when a defender touched Scott, who was wearing the non-contact red jersey.
I never question the officials
Solich joked. It's obvious that Theo has very good running ability and scrambling ability. He's made big plays every scrimmage either through the running game or the throwing game
so I'm sure he'll continue to do that.
Brandon Jones saw an increased amount of playing time from the first scrimmage, which he started but played only one series. The redshirt sophomore struggled after he completed his first pass for 23 yards. He finished the day 2-for-8 for 26 yards and an interception.
I felt pretty good; I've just got to get my legs back under me
said Jones, who has been plagued by a number of injuries. I think I'm about 85 percent right now. I'm just trying to stay healthy for the spring. After spring
we're going to step up the training and go from there.
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