Fans looking to see the 2004 football team for the first time this year will be treated to what has become a rarity for Ohio spring football: an actual game.
After years of utilizing a defense- versus-offense format using a modified scoring system with points being awarded for big plays, coach Brian Knorr said the annual Green and White Game will be a conventional intrasquad scrimmage.
We're gonna break 'em out in green and white
he said. It might be the first time in the past five or six years we've been able to do that.
Injuries have typically been the major obstacle to holding a formal spring game, and while several players will still sit out, there are enough healthy players to go through with the game.
The seniors held a draft for players yesterday afternoon, ensuring that both teams will have an equal distribution of talent.
I like (the new format). It'll make it a lot more competitive trying to beat the other team as opposed to trying to score points like in years past safety Chip Cox said. Cox, moving from cornerback to safety, will be seeing his first action at his new position.
While Knorr said that the game would not reach the emotional fever pitch of a regular season contest, he indicated that it is an important test for the players as spring practice reaches its formal conclusion.
I see performance as the only true measure of ability
Knorr said. A lot of guys have potential
but performing under these circumstances is the best way to determine ability. I expect guys to compete.
Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter said that he looks forward to the challenge presented by new offensive coordinator Phil Earley's attack and is interested to see how the defense reacts to a playbook that is more similar to what it will see in the fall.
Ohio was one of the last teams in the conference running an option-based attack and making the switch allows the defense to prepare more against the schemes it sees from the Mid-American Conference's elite, such as Marshall and Miami.
What happens with an option type offense is you get good at stopping that and adjusting to that
but come fall
you have to have scout team players
who aren't your best players
trying to simulate this kind of offense
DeRuyter said. When you make it harder on yourself you're gonna get better.
The spring football season concludes tomorrow afternoon with the Green and White Game. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Peden Stadium.
