Phil Bates has been rehearsing all spring, and tomorrow will be his first chance to perform on stage.
The redshirt junior has spent the spring getting acclimated to Ohio's offense, while also showing off his big arm and scrambling ability. Bates will get the chance to show his progress during tomorrow's Green vs. White spring game.
I definitely feel comfortable going into Saturday
Bates said. I've played in front of a lot of crowds so I'm definitely feeling ready.
After sitting out last season due to his transfer, Bates got his first chance to run the Ohio offense this spring, and got to play with the first team with quarterback Boo Jackson out. Along the way, Bates has become more comfortable with his teammates and has improved as the spring has worn on.
From day one to day fourteen I think I've gotten a lot better
Bates said. I'm definitely not the same person I was on the first day.
Also on display this weekend will be Ohio's defense. The unit has played well all spring and dominated last week's scrimmage. The defensive line was especially active, causing five sacks last Saturday.
As a line
we have a lot of experience
said defensive end Dak Notestine. Everybody wants to outdo the other person
and no one wants to mess up.
That kind of atmosphere creates a tenacious defense.
The spring game this season will resemble the one seen last year. Instead of the team splitting up into two different squads, it will feature the offense as one team and the defense as another.
The reason for the variation is because of the amount of injuries on the offensive line and receivers, and to keep players near their position coaches during the scrimmage.
If substitutions occur
position coaches can make those changes right away
said coach Frank Solich. It makes the continuity a lot better.
The game will feature a game clock, but Solich and the coaching staff will focus on the teams getting the snaps needed.
It'll be a running clock
Solich said. We can shorten it or lengthen it so we can get the number of snaps we're looking for.
In terms of special teams, the game will feature two kick-offs at the beginning of the halves, and also will have punts when the defense stops the offense. The first three punts will be live, Solich said.
The game will begin with the first-team offense going against the first-team defense. Although there will be no score, the offense and defense will compete for a winner, with the defense being awarded for keeping the offense under a certain score.
After having a successful spring so far, Solich and the rest of the Bobcats are trying to finish it on a high note with the game Saturday.
Hypothetically, the team would like to avoid injuries, while also executing as well as possible, Solich said.
I'm looking for some good crisp blocking and crisp tackling
Solich said. I can take anything else that comes after that.
