Klatt explains showing of OSU scrimmage
Spring game broadcast by Fox is a national first
Ohio State's spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday is just a glorified scrimmage, though in front of a crowd most college football programs would envy for games in the fall.
But to Fox Sports football analyst Joel Klatt, the Buckeyes' intrasquad scrimmage represents a step in football's evolution as this will be the first time any national network has broadcast a spring game.
“Over the years, like the NFL, college football has become more of a yearround sport,” Klatt told The Dispatch on Thursday. “That's only increased with the modernization of the transfer portal and the new rosters year in and year out. Interest in the sport doesn't stop like maybe it did 15 or 20 years ago in the offseason.”
Klatt will serve in his normal color analyst role, but his usual play-by-play partner Gus Johnson is on vacation after broadcasting basketball during the winter. Besides, Johnson's signature enthusiasm might be overkill for a scrimmage.
Jason Benetti will do play-by-play, with Brady Quinn and former Buckeye coach Urban Meyer as analysts along with reporter Jenny Taft.
A spring game can't have the drama of a real game, so Fox is modifying its
coverage.
“If I was to try to define it, this is going to be kind of a celebration of college football,” Klatt said. “We're going to get more access than we normally get in the fall. It's going to be built more like a studio show. Our topics will be planned out – less reaction to the action on the field – and we'll talk through topics.”
Klatt said Ohio State presents no
shortage of storylines. He watched the Buckeyes' practice on Thursday and was highly impressed. Klatt believes Ohio State and Georgia, in no particular order, will be the top two contenders for that national title in 2024.
“I might lean toward Ohio State in the preseason, but a lot will be determined on what I see Saturday,” he said.
Much of the focus in the spring game will be on Ohio State's quarterbacks. Kansas State grad transfer Will Howard entered the spring as the clear frontrunner, but junior Devin Brown has been impressive. Freshman Julian Sayin also has created a buzz with his play.
Klatt broadcast a few of Howard's games at Kansas State, including last year's near-upset of Texas.
“Will's an incredible competitor,” he said. “He's tough and he's incredibly smart. I think that he is underrated as a passer. I also think that his experience is not easy to measure during practice or even preseason or a spring game.
“But once we get into the season, I am banking on the fact that his experience will pay huge dividends as basically the only guy in the room with what I would consider a depth of experience.
“I really like Will. The part of his game that goes overlooked most is his ability to run, and it's based on his (6-4, 237pound) size. He's a big kid and I think he's a really good player.”
Klatt is also curious about the impact new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will have as coach Ryan Day cedes playcalling to his mentor.
“What does the offense look like?” Klatt said. “Does it look exactly the same? What are the little differences that we notice or feel in the run game? I'm incredibly interested in that.”
He also looks forward to watching freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has wowed this spring. He made a strong impression on Klatt in Thursday's practice.
“I would say he's as impressive as I've seen at that age,” Klatt said.