QB Burrow shines in Ohio State spring game
With star quarterback J.T. Barrett now graduated, Ohio State entered the spring with questions surrounding who would take over as the leader of Urban Meyer's offense.
The public got to witness the three-man race between Dwayne Haskins Jr., Joe Burrow, and Tate Martell for the first time Saturday at the Buckeyes spring game, and early returns would have Burrow in the lead for the starting job.
The redshirt junior was the star of the day, completing 15-of-22 passes for 238 yards and two scores in the contest. Perhaps the most impressive part of Burrow's game was the arm strength he flashed on both scoring throws.
You lose track of the 🐐 and he will make you pay.
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 14, 2018
Joe Burrow to Demario McCall for a 50-yard touchdown, putting Gray up 31-14. McCall has 9 catches for 121 yards on the day. pic.twitter.com/EiqlsO3ZSU
The first was a brilliant throw between three defenders to find Demario McCall in space for the 50-yard gain.
🙌 Perfect way to end the game! @Joe_Burrow10 finds @DemarioMccall again! This time from 4️⃣2️⃣ yards out. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/4j1eWze4J6
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) April 14, 2018
The second came on the final play, as Burrow found McCall yet again for a 42-yard touchdown.
While Barrett was a superb player for Meyer throughout his career, the one knock on the quarterback was his struggle to stretch the field with long-range throws. If Burrow can get the ball deep to any of the Buckeyes' talented receivers, it could be a game-changer for Ohio State's offense.
The veteran coach was quick to praise Burrow after the contest, noting his improvement in delivering the football.
Joe Burrow “has to be one of the most improved quarterbacks as far as delivery speed and arm,” Urban Meyer said. “Very noticeable” improvement.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 14, 2018
Haskins certainly flashed his own moments of excellence in front of almost 50,000 fans, finishing 9-of-19 for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
The second-year pivot came to Columbus as a highly-touted recruit, and came on in relief of Barrett last year against Michigan, helping to finish off the win for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State begins the 2018 season on Sept. 1 against Oregon State, and whether it's Burrow or Haskins who gets the starting nod, Saturday showed there is quality depth to replace Barrett.