In 2021 Ohio State’s offense was unstoppable. The Buckeyes ranked number one in total offense last season. Ohio State has the one of the best QBs in Cj Stroud, one of the best Wr groups and one of the best Rbs in college football. Last season Cj Stroud was excellent as a first year starter, throwing for 4,435 yards, 44 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The only thing he didn’t do last season was run… The question we are answering today is how can Ohio State take their offense to the next level. The answer is Cj Stroud runs the ball more this season.
How Stroud Running Helps
While we watched Stroud shine as a passer at times it looked like he refused to take off and run. In 2020 we rarely saw Stroud play because of Justin fields but when he played he only ran. Stroud’s first touchdown as a Buckeye was a 48 yard run against Michigan State. Buckeye fans came into the Stroud era thinking there were going to be more runs to come but were mistaken. Last season Cj Strouds longest run was 15 yards and the most yards he rushed for in a game was 13.
Ohio State has an elite running back and a bunch of elite wide receivers, the opposing defense has a lot to worry about. One thing the defense doesn’t need to worry about is Cj Stroud trying to run. If Stroud added running to his game it would take this offense to a whole new level. Right now the Linebackers can sit back in coverage or play the running back in the running game. If Stroud showed he was willing to take off those Linebackers would have to second guess everything they do. Defensive coordinators would be very upset if they had to deal with Stroud running while dealing with the rest of this offense. If he shows he’s a good, capable runner defenses will have to game plan for that and it could open up this offense even more.
Will he Run?
Last season Stroud never looked to take off and run. Stroud had a quote last season when asked about him running the ball, he said that he’s not a running back. Stroud doesn’t have to be a running back to run out of trouble or run a designed run every once in awhile. His unwillingness to run the football possibility hurt this team last season.
I think it’s pretty unlikely we see Stroud run a lot more then we did last year. Running is obviously not his favorite. One quote from Stroud this week gave Buckeye fans a little hope that he would run more. During media availability Stroud said “I’m the fastest I’ve been since I’ve been alive.” Stroud would go on to say how this is the best he has ever felt also. This quote sparked the idea in Buckeye fans heads that maybe he would run more. I think Stroud has the same mindset as last season, he’s not here to run the ball, he came here to throw the ball. With all that being said does Ryan Day want his Qb to run? I feel like Day would of called more designed runs for Stroud if that’s what he wanted. Ohio State fans should take it easy on Cj Stroud if he doesn’t run more this season. Stroud will still be a heisman contender and win a lot of games for the Buckeyes.
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