Just a few weeks ago, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day announced C.J. Stroud would be the Buckeyes starting quarterback.
On Thursday night, Stroud got his first chance to start a college football game. Ohio State took its No. 4 ranking on the road for a Big Ten clash against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
After an early long touchdown run, it looked like Ohio State was poised to run away with the game. However, the Gophers fought back and now hold a 14-10 lead at halftime.
Following a tough first half, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is already thinking the Buckeyes can’t compete for a national title. That’s due to the uneven performance from Stroud at quarterback.
“Bad throw by Stroud of Ohio State,” Smith said on Twitter. “Brother is making first start. He’s got talent. No nerves or anything. Just threw behind the receiver. But it’s hard imagining title-contention for OSU with such youth at that position. We’ll see.”
Bad throw by Stroud of @OhioStateFB. Brother is making first start. He’s got talent. No nerves or anything. Just threw behind the receiver. But it’s hard imagining title-contention for OSU with such youth at that position. We’ll see.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 3, 2021
It’s a little early to start doubting Ohio State’s national title hopes. Stroud is making his first collegiate start in a tough environment against a team with a great head coach.
Stroud has completed 8-of-14 passes for 58 yards and one (tipped) interception so far tonight. Ohio State is used to stellar quarterback play, which likely plays into the doubts about Stroud so far tonight.
Let’s see what he does in the second half before declaring Ohio State’s season over before it begins.
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