Ohio State Spring Game 2012: Ohio State Defeats Ohio State, 20-14

Braxton Miller's Scarlet team defeated Kenny Guiton and the Gray team, 20-14, in Urban Meyer's spring debut as Ohio State's head coach. Miller lead the way completing 24 of 31 passing attempts (in an offense which showed imagination, flair, and creativity for arguably the first time in years) en route to 258 yards passing on the day. Miller also had a tight rope act TD scramble at the game's conclusion that was called off on account of Miller supposedly stepping out of bounds in the process. Sadly they failed to go to the replay booth to confirm the validity of the call giving the Gray a surprise 20.5-20 cover (I kid; I hope). Kenny Guiton answered the call playing the entirety of the afternoon for the other side completing 16 of 24 passes for 185 yards. Both quarterbacks had interceptions on the day.

Incoming freshman Mike Thomas was arguably the star of stars snagging 12 receptions and totaling up 131 yards for his efforts. Thomas, doing his best Terry Glenn impersonation in every sense of the word, had but one suspect moment during the game where a bobbled drop lead to an interception that was later called back on an unrelated penalty. Philly Brown's star also shined brightly but for the Gray team, nabbing 7 catches totaling 90 yards on the day and nearly leading the Gray to a come from behind victory before a Christian Bryant INT of Guiton gave the Scarlet team the ability to eat up the remaining time on the running second half clock.

Other players of note included Rod Smith, who led both teams with 46 yards rushing on 8 carries and a touchdown, Ryan Shazier who showed the same motor that caught eyes throughout the later two thirds of the 2011 campaign, and Adam Bellamy, who had a lot of early success getting to Braxton Miller through an admittedly green and inconsistent offensive line. Adam Griffin, Archie's son, also had an interception Saturday afternoon.

Also notable was the surprise absence of potential Percy Harvin-back, Jordan Hall (UPDATE: those at the post-game presser are relaying that Meyer has said Hall had a sprained foot; could've gone but coaches elected to hold him out as a precaution. Meyer also added that Hankins had his knee scoped yesterday but will be fine as well.) Joining him as a healthy scratch was Johnathan Hankins. Both are expected to contribute prominently this fall for the Bucks.

The Bucks also won the vaunted Spring Game national championship with an announced attendance of 81,112. Defending national champions Alabama had previously held the mark for the nation's best showing this offseason with 78,526.