Buckeyes’ offense ahead of defense

By Tim May

Columbus Dispatch

COLUMBUS

After a recent Ohio State practice, Cameron Heyward was none too pleased.

“They scored too many touchdowns,” Heyward said.

He was referring to the Ohio State offense, which for the first time in a while is ahead of the defense at this point in a preseason.

Ohio State fans might rejoice at that news, but Heyward was lamenting it. The senior defensive end has been named to several preseason All-American teams and to watch lists for postseason awards. Whenever it’s offense vs. defense in scrimmage situations, “you want to come out on top,” Heyward said.

That’s especially true today, when the team holds its jersey scrimmage in Ohio Stadium. The extended affair, which is closed to the public, pits the offense against the defense for more than 100 plays, with the prize being the coveted scarlet practice jerseys to wear for the fall.

The defense has worn them this month, because it won the battle in the spring. But the offense, which seems to be throwing the ball around a lot more than a year ago, would have to be considered the odds-on favorite today.

“After watching the Rose Bowl and winter workouts and spring ball, I knew those guys would come in here rolling, and that’s exactly what they’re doing,” senior safety Jermale Hines said.

The growing maturity and confidence of third-year starter Pryor is part of the reason why, Hines said.

“They just all grew up, basically,” Hines said. “All of them have been playing in and out since they were freshmen, and now that it’s their junior year they’ve grown up, and they know things, and it’s taking them a long way.”

The jerseys aside, this scrimmage also should help set the depth chart at several positions before the season opener Sept. 2 vs. Marshall. There are questions that need answers, such as the rotation at wide receiver, the starting left tackle, and the pass-rush defensive end.