It would be an understatement to say C.J. Stroud played well in the second half of Ohio State’s season opener against Minnesota. The redshirt freshman’s second-half performance was nearly perfect.
After a slow start to his 2021 season debut, Stroud had five completions for 236 passing yards and four touchdowns in the second half.
Stroud kicked off the second half with a 38-yard touchdown pass to star wideout Chris Olave. It was an impressive throw considering Stroud made it off his back foot.
Later in the third quarter, Stroud completed a beautiful strike downfield to Garrett Wilson for a 56-yard touchdown. Many fans believe it was Stroud’s best throw of the night.
The third touchdown pass from Stroud was a screen pass to TreVeyon Henderson that went for 70 yards. There was legitimately no one home for Minnesota on that play.
Stroud then capped off his night with a 61-yard touchdown pass to Olave, who made some sweet moves after the catch.
Your reminder that CJ Stroud had 5 completions for 236 yards and 4 TDs in the 2nd half last night pic.twitter.com/wmredR0Wia
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 3, 2021
One of the main reasons why Stroud was able to have such an explosive second half is because Ohio State head coach Ryan Day gave him a few words of encouragement early in the game.
“He and I had a conversation early on that we’re going to keep swinging, no matter what happens, and we’re not going to play close to the vest,” Day said, via ESPN. “That’s not the way we do it here. And he responded, but I really think it was the guys around him.”
It’s safe to say Stroud kept on swinging against Minnesota, as he put together a performance that he’ll never forget.
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