The Ohio State football program made it a priority to bring Matt Patricia back as the defensive coordinator for the team. He elevated what was already an elite defense to another level last year. Bringing him back was the most important coaching decision Ryan Day made in the offseason.
During the Spring Game, Patricia's value was really shown. He was able to get the defense to lock down the offense. Defensive backs wouldn't let receivers get any separation, and defensive linemen were doing a great job rushing the passer. The defense put on a show.
The Gray team, which was the defense, crushed the Scarlet team. They were on the winning end of the Spring Game by a score of 35-26. Defense usually wins during the Spring Game, but this was another level of skill and scheme that was shown by Patricia's unit.
Defense is the top story during the Ohio State football Spring Game
Beau Atkinson had an interception on Julian Sayin after Will Smith Jr. batted the ball up into the air. That was the highlight for the starting defense, but it was far from the only good play that unit had. Atkinson needed a strong performance, and got it. The defensive backs were sticking to receivers like glue.
It's tough to tell whether the defense is elite once again or if the offense has issues. The Fall will give us a better idea of that. It seems more likely that the defense is just that good. They led the nation in almost every statistical category a year ago, so it stands to reason they will be very good again.
Ryan Day would certainly like to have seen more offense in this game. The weather made it a bit tough to throw the ball at times. Multiple injuries at running back kept the ground game from being more effective, as well. Still, it was nice for the fans to get a look at the new roster.
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