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Impressive Buckeyes defense shows real growth in spring game

Spencer-Holbrookby:Spencer Holbrook•04/15/23•

SpencerHolbrook

Ohio St Defense by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
The Ohio State defense beat the offense in the spring game. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State knew the defense would be a work in progress last spring.

This spring, however, was about growth for a defense in Year Two of a system that showed signs of progress already through March and April.

It was easy to see Saturday afternoon at the Buckeyes spring game, when the defense was a step ahead of the offense for most of the day. Linebackers flying to the ball. Defensive linemen collecting sacks. Members of the secondary disrupting throwing lanes.

The Ohio State defense can feel itself getting better. Saturday was a perfect example of it, especially considering the defense walked out of the Horseshoe with a 40-31 win.

“We were really just dipping our toe in the water with our defense at this time last year,” Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon said. “So now, pretty much everyone the linebacker in the room, we’re all back. We all know the defense. Coach Knowles has challenged us to be the better ballplayer, know what’s coming before it comes. And you know, I just think having a year under your belt just makes a big difference. And I think it has the spring. We played really well this spring.”

The Buckeyes returned most of their defense for a this spring, and the veteran presence on that side of the ball is showing up in a big way. Couple that with young playmakers and transfer additions, and Jim Knowles may be onto something in his second season as the Buckeyes defensive coordinator.

Sure, the Ohio State offense is going through standard growing pains that come with replacing three offensive linemen and a star quarterback. But the defense is happy to pounce on the offense, as it was Saturday, racking up momentum to take into the summer with each sack and broken-up pass attempt.

And with more reps to come in summer workouts, Ohio State has a good feeling about where this defense could be heading.

“Every time you do something again and again, you build confidence,” Simon said. “I think especially like from front to back D-line to DBs, confidence is one of our strong suits.”

Spencer Holbrook, Tim May and Andy Backstrom were back inside the Horseshoe for a full day of at the Ohio State Spring Game. The crew dishes their takes after seeing the Buckeyes wrap up spring practice with the annual scrimmage. As spring ball comes to a close for the Buckeyes, there’s plenty to talk about. The offseason is behind us as summer football is on the horizon.

It’s all included in the latest Practice Report presented by Byers Auto. Find that here.

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