Winners
C.J. Stroud
Stroud sure seems like the leader for the starting quarterback gig and he displayed confidence and understanding of the playbook. We knew he had the physical traits, but his awareness on the field and connection with the receivers is what separates him.
Coach Day continues to preach that this is a wide-open battle, but that feels a little bit like coach-speak at this point. Count us in the camp that will be shocked if Stroud doesn’t trot out against Minnesota as the starting quarterback on September 2.
I know this is just a spring game … but C.J. Stroud has had the edge throughout camp, and I think it's pretty clear he's going to be the starting quarterback for Ohio State.
— Austin Ward (@AWardSports) April 17, 2021
Jack Sawyer
Sawyer came to Columbus with an insane amount of hype surrounding him, but he proved he was worth every bit of it today with four sacks (via the spring game “touch” variety). It is very hard to judge lineman in a thud-only scrimmage, but Sawyer had four legitimate sacks and should be a bookend force to reckon with as Harrison potentially patrols the other side.
But remember, there’s also Tyreke Smith who will have something to say about that spot. Either way, if he keeps his head on straight and continues to develop, there’s no reason to not believe that Sawyer is going to be special.
Jack Sawyer is now up to four sacks in today's game. And that's why Ohio State has to find a place for him in its defensive end rotation this year.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 17, 2021