Urban Meyer focuses on young players in Ohio State spring game

The spring game gives Ohio State Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer and his staff a chance to see how young players perform under pressure at Ohio Stadium. Not everyone will react the same way with approximately 84,000 people watching at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

“We’re very fortunate to watch guys perform in front of a lot of people in the seats,” Meyer said. “It is different. It’s the ability to focus and not tighten up in front of a big crowd. For some guys, it doesn’t matter. For others, it does. I always like to see it with the new players. This is not for Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard, Chris Worley and Billy Price. This is for young guys who haven’t done much around here or the new guys. I love the fact that these guys get to play in front of a crowd like that.”

MORE

• Defensive line depth will be on display

• Five takeaways from spring practices

Ohio State set a national spring game attendance record in 2016 with 100,189 fans. Meyer urged fans in the week before the game to help the Buckeyes break the 100,000 mark, and they responded. With ongoing construction at Ohio Stadium this year, attendance will be lower because 20,000 seats are unavailable.

Here are a few other things to know about the spring game:

• The game will be the 15th and final practice of the spring season. The first practice was held March 7.

• The Buckeyes will play four 10-minute quarters. There will be a running clock in the second half.

• Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz will serve as the guest host and honorary captain for the Scarlet team. Nike founder Phil Knight will have the same duties with the Gray team.

• Tickets for the game are sold out. Tickets are available, via resale, on Ticketmaster. Parking in lots near the stadium is free. The lots open at 6 a.m. The West Stadium parking lot requires a pass.

SATURDAY’S GAME

Ohio State spring game, 12:30 p.m., Big Ten Network, 1410

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About the Author

David Jablonski

David Jablonski covers the Dayton Flyers and other sports for the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal News.