How can you tell if you have a well supported football program. This Spring Ohio State managed to interest over 63,000 fans to their annual Spring game. That was more than all of their 2006 opponents Spring game attendance's -- combined. But for this event, you have a clock, officials, they are in their jersey's, the weather is nice, it's a weekend, there is full contact, they run plays, they have a band and cheerleaders, etc. You can understand that people would come out to watch the Buckeyes.
But how many would come out for practice? Who wants to see the tight end being made to run laps for dropping a ball?. Or watch 300 pound linemen doing jumping jacks and sit-ups. There is minimal to no contact and they are not going to show you any trick plays. But the university said to try it and see how it goes. First they were going to hold it at Jessie Owens field, which would hold about 10,000 fans. Then they decided to hold an autograph session with the players in conjunction with the practice, so they felt it would be best to move it to Ohio Stadium. Smart move! The papers estimated that 28,000 people showed but if you ask me, there were at least 30,000. They opened the consession stands, the band showed up. And in all, the players put on a really good show. The moved from drill to drill like clockwork, and it really turned out to be a good show.
Hopefully they will consider this again next season!
Ohio State
Public Practice
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August 21st, 2006.
Ohio Stadium - Columbus, Ohio
How far would you travel to watch a practice? One Buckeye fan drive
400 miles one-way from Tennessee to take part in the event.
How was your experience of driving all the way from Tennessee to see the practice? How do you think they looked?
It was a quick up and back trip. About 6 1/2 hours each way and I think about 811 miles.
The ride back was harder after watching the practice as I have my concerns. I also have confidence that it was just a practice and we will see a more focused group on 9/2.
It was really great getting back to The Shoe. I was standing outside watching the folks line up at 5:30 PM. I decided that with all the kids running around with their stuff to be autographed, that I would bypass that part of it and find my self a seat. Hopefully all the little kids who were there got the autographs they wanted. I went to the home sideline and sat in a chairback seats at the 45 yard yard line and just waited. I guess if you love OSU football as much as I do, there is a kind of satisfaction about just sitting in the stadium.
The people in the stadium were wonderful and very excited about watching the practice. I think people were hoping for more of a scrimmage type practice and might have been a little disappointed. Not me!! I saw the coverage last year on ESPN of the OSU practice and I knew I'd find it interesting, and it was(see previous email).
My observations of practice:
Kicking game; kickoffs, returns and the field goal kicking looked good while the punting was inconsistent.
Offense; lots of weapons, but they did not practice very crisply. I expected much better execution from this group(do they play like they practice?? Lets hope not!)
Defense; the secondary will get burned for some big plays early due to lack of experience, but they are a hard hitting hungry looking bunch that should clamp down on offenses as the season wears on.
Overall though I think the night time practice helped everyone get a good feel for shadows, etc. The receivers impressed me with their strength and "Beanie" continues to get better. This team will do nothing but get better since it seems like every position has someone behind them challenging for playing time and waiting for opportunity.
I haven't received any information on my season tickets yet, but I'm sure they will come soon. My wife and I will be in Ohio Stadium on 9/2 one way or the other, and I can't wait!!!!
GO BUCKS!!!!
Keith
