The Ohio State spring scrimmage commences this Saturday as the Jesse Owens Spring Game will be held at Ohio Stadium. So for one day at least, media coverage surrounding the Buckeyes program will not center on Jim Tresssel and corruption.
And enjoy it, OSU fans because you know more bad news, and worse times are ahead when it comes to off-the-field issues for Tressel and the program.
Saturday’s college football action will be in an offense-vs.-defense format, with both units battling for the right to wear the scarlet jerseys (first string) for August practice. Those are the stakes. And don’t expect to see much of the star players who are suspended by the way.
By Paul M. Banks
In the football scrimmage, the ball will be put in play at various spots to create a variety of game-like situations. Each drill will consist of 3-6 scripted plays.
Here’s where it gets confusing, if it’s not already. If the offense sustains its drive on its first possession, it will be allowed to continue the drive beyond the scripted plays to its conclusion. However, if the first drive is stopped and the offense starts over, the drive will end on the prescribed play no matter where the ball is located. Penalties will be assessed and will not count as a play if accepted.
If the penalty is rejected, the play will count. Points can be scored by both the offense and the defense according to predetermined values for first downs, turnovers, long plays, etc.
Everybody got that? You still with me?
Tickets are $7 in advance and $15 on Saturday at the stadium. Ohio State students get into the game free with a valid ID. Children age 6 and under will be admitted free of charge. Seating is general admission.
Special recognitions during the day will involve members of the Jesse Owens family and Buckeye football All-Americans. A number of active military and veterans groups, along with their families, will also be recognized. OSU coaches will wear military caps and the football team will be wearing special helmets painted in a silver, gray and black camouflage pattern registered and designed specifically for Ohio State.
Open parking will be available in most of the lots surrounding Ohio Stadium.
Saturday’s forecast calls for rain throughout the day. However, umbrellas cannot be used in Ohio Stadium.So unlike Rihanna, you cannot “stand under my umbrella, ella ella, eh eh.” You may wonder why they’re charging for the spring scrimmage, when it’s not not even an actual game.
Because they can. Buckeye fans set national records when 95,722 were on hand at the Horseshoe for the football Spring Game (2009). If that sounds insane, (because it is) it just shows you how many bucknuts there are in this world.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports
He does a regular guest spot each week for Chicagoland Sports Radio.com You can follow him on Twitter @thesportsbank and Facebook
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