The Ohio State football team has been hard at work fixing its flaws from last season. Blocking on the offensive line was a big one, as that was the biggest problem they had late last season. That kept them from beating both Indiana and Miami in the final two games.
Figuring out who is going to step up with so much defensive talent departing was also an emphasis during the spring. It seems that Ohio State has done that, as well. The Fall will really let fans know where both of those things lie. However, there was still one issue that the Buckeyes needed to fix.
Over the last couple of years, Ohio State has had some problems with the turf at Ohio Stadium. There have been players slipping, and there have been some injury concerns. In fact, the turf was the same kind of slit-cut turf that is under fire. Now, the Ohio State Buckeyes have fixed that, too.
Ohio State football replaces the turf inside Ohio Stadium
The Buckeyes have fully addressed that problem, as they have opted to replace the turn inside the stadium. According to a release from Ohio State, the field now is up to NFL standards, which has Game ON® technology that integrates field markings directly into the turf.
Ross Bjork believes that the installation of new turf will help ensure the safety of the Buckeyes moving forward.
"Ohio State football and Nike represent two of the most iconic brands in sports, and this partnership has delivered uniform enhancements that honor our championship traditions while equipping our student-athletes with cutting-edge performance technology. Additionally, the new surface at Ohio Stadium takes this vision further — providing a dynamic playing surface that provides latest advancements in performance and safety and meets NFL standards, and our staff will now be able to, utilize customizable end zones that amplify themed game atmospheres and elevate the experience for fans inside the stadium and watching nationwide."
Ohio State will have customizable end zones
This new turf gives the Buckeyes the opportunity to have customizable end zones, as well. That means that the endzone color will likely change, depending on which uniforms Ohio State is wearing. That means you could see a black endzone when they break out their black alternate uniforms.
Of course, the biggest issue that fans and players should be worried about is whether or not the turf is safe. Concussions have been a big issue over the last few years, as have non-contact injuries. Reducing those as much as possible is something that Ohio State should be the most interested in.
This is an underrated change that Ohio State is making heading into the season. It's a change that should have a meaningful mark on how the Buckeyes play at home this year. They should have better footing, which has been a clear issue over the last couple of years for receivers and running backs.
If Ohio State has the funds, they should be replacing the turf as often as possible so that the safety remains there.
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