Ohio State Spring Game 2014: Live Game Grades and Analysis

The Gray team, led by redshirt freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett, defeated the Scarlet team 17-7 in Ohio State's spring game Saturday afternoon. Check out the final grades and analysis below.

Gray 17, Scarlet 7, Final

Positional Unit	First-Half Grade	Final Grade
Pass Offense	C	C-
Rush Offense	B-	B-
Pass Defense	A	A
Rush Defense	B	A
Special Teams	B	B
Coaching	B-	B

Final analysis for the Ohio State Buckeyes

Pass Offense: Both teams produced relatively pedestrian numbers. Cardale Jones had a very rough day, completing just 13-of-29 passes for 106 yards. J.T. Barrett made a number of good throws, going 15-of-33 for 151 yards, but neither quarterback completed a pass longer than 30 yards or threw a touchdown.

Run Offense: With Carlos Hyde and four senior starters along the offensive line gone, Ohio State wants to get the ball to the perimeter more this season. With few opportunities, though, the Buckeyes' ball-carriers showed good speed and vision.

Pass Defense: Ohio State's defense gave up 268 passing yards per game last season, which ranked No. 110 nationally, but the secondary looked very sharp running new co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash's aggressive scheme.

Run Defense: The Buckeyes ranked ninth nationally in rush defense last year, and that domination spilled over to the spring game. Ohio State was active up front as neither side gained much traction on the ground.

Special Teams: Freshman Sean Nuernberger and Junior Kyle Clinton are battling for the starting kicker spot. Meyer gave both a number of opportunities, but Nuernberger showed more accuracy and leg strength. Punter Cameron Johnston was sensational, much like he was last season.

Coaching: The offensive coaches were dealing with a depleted roster and a limited playbook, so the uninspiring stats are somewhat understandable. The defensive staff has to be thrilled with what they saw as their unit played very well. 

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First half analysis for the Ohio State Buckeyes

Pass Offense: The Buckeyes went with a pass-heavy offense by design. Cardale Jones struggled to find a groove, completing just six-of-15 passes of seven yards, but J.T. Barrett and the Gray team moved the ball pretty well through the air. Barrett connected on 15-of-27 passes for 112 yards.

Run Offense: With the play-calling slanted toward the passing game, there weren't a lot of opportunities in the running game. The Gray team, led by Barrett and running back Bri'onte Dunn, got things going in the second quarter.

Pass Defense: Ohio State's defensive front was very active in the first half, especially on the Scarlet Team, causing havoc when the quarterbacks dropped back. Neither team allowed a passing touchdown.

Run Defense: The Buckeyes weren't challenged very much on the ground, but even with the limited opportunities, Ohio State's defense played well against the run.

Special Teams: With no kickoffs or returns, Ohio State primarily worked on punting and field goals. Cameron Johnston had a number of excellent punts, including a 41-yard boot that pinned the Gray team at the 1-yard line. 

Coaching: The playbooks on both sides of the ball were very limited—the offense rarely ran and the defense didn't blitz—but the Scarlet team didn't execute their sets as well as the Gray team.