Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) of the scarlet team throws a pass to running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) during the first half of the LifeSports spring football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
The 2024 Ohio State quarterback battle was not settled at this year’s spring game, as each player had their ups and downs.
The Ohio State quarterback room has completed Spring practices, which have lead up to the 2024 Ohio State Spring Game. In the first-ever nationally broadcast Spring Game, Ohio State’s offense and defense split apart to give coaches and fans a preview of what the 2024 season will bring.
One of the most pressing issues coming in was who had the advantage in the quarterback race. Those questions were answered when Will Howard became the first Buckeye signal caller to take a snap for the scarlet side.
All in all, due to an early whistle on the final play, the Scarlet squad took down the Gray, 34-33. Technically, the game ended on an interception that was returned for a score and it should have been 39-34 in favor of the Gray.
The Ohio State Quarterback Battle Not Settled After Spring Game
This time around, the scoring was slightly different. The offense scored as usual (six touchdowns, three field goals, etc.), but the defense received points based on a variety of outcomes. Defensive touchdowns were worth six points, takeaways three, three-and-outs three, sacks two, and a forced punt was valued one point.
Perhaps the most obvious takeaway from this year’s televised scrimmage is that no quarterback stood out from the pack. It was to be anticipated. Great quarterbacks, such as Justin Fields, have previously battled in the Spring Game and recovered admirably. Given that the Ohio State quarterback room faced what appears to be a top-five defense, there is opportunity for leniency.
All five scholarship quarterbacks led the Scarlet offense at some time during the game, and each had their ups and downs. The five quarterbacks completed 39 of 61 passes for a total of 346 yards and one score. The defense did force four interceptions, the most notable of which was the legitimate walk-off 100-yard interception return that did not happen.
Two Horse Race
For as much coachspeak as Ryan Day and Chip Kelly will use over the next five months, it appears that this Ohio State quarterback competition is truly between the two veteran voices in the room: Howard and Devin Brown.
