"Big scrimmage for the Buckeyes on Friday in the stadium. Interesting that they had gone so far to simulate a road game earlier in the week with the move to Canton for practice. This one took the players through an entire home game preparation(down to scheduling for the skull session, the walk etc etc etc) While they didn't actually do everything(like have the band there) it was pretty close--and I think little things like that and the attention to detail are absolutely crucial to a team's early season success.
While the big winner of the day was CJ Stroud who has been excellent all camp--and continued that on Friday with another error free performance. I thought Kyle McCord has stepped up and seized the backup QB position with another strong performance. McCord has developed such a chemistry with a number of the younger wide receivers--and as THOSE guys continue to step up and shine, it just helps elevate Kyle to another level. Friday was exhibit A of that as McCord to Marvin Harrison, JR and Emeka Egbuka continued to bedevil the OSU defense with at least three scores in the 115 play scrimmage.
Dawand Jones has locked down the right tackle spot as well. What began as kind of a lark by the OSU staff to just try running four tackles out there has turned into a dominant unit for the Buckeyes. Dawand might be the most improved player in camp and has gone from the kid with one foot out of the door to the transfer portal to a budding star on a terrific OSU offensive unit. Dawand has specifically improved his footwork and technique at the right tackle position and his "sets" have improved markedly week by week. Giving great effort as well and that has really set him apart from the rest of the guys. Couldn't be happier for the big guy.
Teradja Mitchell is solidifying his hold on a linebacker spot. We knew that when the pads went on and the hitting commenced that this would be "his time"--but questions always lingered about whether or not he was responsibility sound and play in control while out there on the field. This fall he has been exceptional in both regards as he plays the game with such a level of violence but he has balanced that with an exponentially better level of football IQ and insight as to the nuance of the OSU defense. Its gotten to the point where he is actually helping the younger guys out there in real time---which is something that he never was really renowned for before. Improved his pass coverage as well and had a pick for the first time in a long time. Can't wait to see him against Minni.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba---We all like talking about Olave and Wilson , but JSN just continues to do all the things you want in an elite college receiver. His preparation and focus before games is something to see---and his routine and attention to detail is clearly a reason that he is impactful while on the field. I didn't know a ton about JSN coming out of high school--had seen tape and heard the comments--but never really "got it" until this spring and fall. This kid is a big timer in a room full of big timers. Just catches everything thrown his way and made a couple of circus catches on "errant throws" that no wide receiver should be able to do. Simply outstanding.
Trey Henderson just continues to put on a show with his legs. But what I was watching for specifically was how he picked up the blitzes when those presented and how well he carried out his fakes and assignments away from the ball when he wasn't the primary. Gets an A+ from me across the board for the little things that a lot of the fans don't recognize. We all know by now that he is magic with the ball in his hands....but now I can tell you that he can do the other stuff equally well---and that's a heckuva combination for any back---but for a freshman its kinda nuts...
Was sad to not get a chance to see Ewers out there--and won't go into the details...but its a non serious issue..and he will be back and slinging it around soon. But I feel like it was an opportunity missed as Friday was a perfect day for the mullett to do his thing...
.
