Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud is the early favorite to win the coveted Heisman trophy this season. But an early prediction is no guarantee. Other top candidates, such as QB Bryce Young, Alabama, and QB Caleb Williams, Oklahoma, will also be making their case for the trophy as well. However, Stroud is coming off of an incredible year. And he will be leading an offense that will be even better than last season.
The Dominance of 2021
Last year the Ohio State offense became nearly unstoppable. With Stroud leading the way the Buckeyes rolled over opposing defenses, making them a serious force to be reckoned with. Most notable is the performance against then No. 7 Michigan St. last November. The Bucks rolled for 655 total yards, 500 of which were in the first half alone. Stroud’s school record 17 consecutive completions led an offense with veterans Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson to a 56-7 route of the Spartans.
C.J. Stroud cemented himself as a star with his performance in 2021. Throwing for 4,435 yards for 44 TDs while completing 71.9 percent of his passes, he proved that head coach Ryan Day’s decision to name him the starter was the right call by far. His leadership and management of the offense proved to be elite as he guided the Buckeyes’ offense to a record setting year. Stroud broke several school records in addition to the 17 consecutive passes. An Ohio State and Rose Bowl record 573 passing yards against Utah for starters. Not to mention he is the only quarterback in school history to throw for 5 touchdowns against Big Ten opponents four times in a single season.
Bring On 2022, and the Heisman
While the Bucks lost players like Wilson and Olave to the draft, they won’t miss a beat. Led by WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who last season caught a team leading 95 balls for 1,606 yards, and fortified by WR Marvin Harrison Jr and RB TreVeyon Henderson, this year’s offense is expected to be even better. With Stroud being one year stronger in his game, and his supporting cast poised for a breakout season, if we thought last year’s offense was unstoppable, then look out. This year’s team is downright scary.
I think it’s safe to safe their will be some revenge in store for up north this year.
Stroud Will Take The Heisman
Let’s face it. By Ohio State standards last season was a disappointment. During Big Ten Media Day, Coach Day said “Maybe at some places 11-2 with a Rose Bowl victory is a good year. It isn’t at Ohio State.”
11–2 is a great season at most schools. But it's not at Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/MBMtg48Whf
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) July 27, 2022
Not being willing to settle for anything less that a national championship will drive this team to even larger heights. The defense should vastly improve under new D-man Jim Knowles. In fact, Coach Day said “…we expect a top ten defense.”
Add this to an offense that is expected to be even better. And this year’s team will be one for the record books.
We may very well be looking at an unstoppable squad this year. One that will dominate its way to a national title.
And this bodes very well for C.J. Stroud.
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