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Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud will practice this week and is on track to start on Saturday against Akron despite a lingering injury to his pitcher’s shoulder.
Coach Ryan Day said on Tuesday that Stroud would continue to be watched and it was possible that other Ohio State quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Jack Miller III could see the time against Akron. The main goal, Day said, is to get Stroud up to speed and comfortable with the offense before the 10th-ranked Buckeyes start the Big Ten next week against Rutgers.
Stroud said after last week’s win over Tulsa that he was not 100% but was still healthy enough to play. The rookie redshirt completed 15 of 25 passes for a season-high 185 yards with one touchdown, one interception and one fumble lost in Ohio State’s 41-20 win.
“When you get more reps under your belt you feel more comfortable and represent him better in training and all of those things add up, all of the things that we are working on with a young quarterback.” , Day said. “I think there’s a lot of great football ahead for CJ Stroud. When you look at the kind of situation he’s been put in, and some of the throws he’s made, you can see he can. do. Now we just have to keep growing on it. “
Growth is a theme for Stroud, who played sparingly behind Justin Fields last season, and the Buckeyes 2-1. Day reiterated on Tuesday that a shortened 2020 season, in which Ohio State only faced opponents from the Big Ten, limited opportunities for young players – who now occupy key roles – d ‘save time in the field. The third-year coach said he “didn’t have a lot of expectations” because of all the unknowns.
“We are going to be determined to get the experience we need, but also to forge an identity as a team,” said Day. “What identity do we want to have as a team [with] what this group here? I didn’t know what it would be. I had no expectations. Hopefully we can keep working and if we look back here in a few weeks we can see a lot of growth, that we’ve done a really good job of training, training the guys and teaching.
“These first few weeks weren’t ideal, but it’s life too.”
Secondary coach Matt Barnes will continue to call defensive plays against Akron, after Day shifts those responsibilities away from defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs. Although the struggling Ohio State defense surrendered 25 first downs and 501 yards to Tulsa, Day believes the unit is “going in the right direction” with its game day operations. He also praised Coombs for adjusting to the reduced role.
“He’s a proud Buckeye so he’s done an amazing job over the past week moving forward,” Day said. “I have a lot of respect for him. He loves this place and wants to win, and he works hard. He’s still a big part of the defense and still has a lot to do with it and always sees that you know it all through at coordinator eyes. We readjusted some roles, but he did an amazing job as a pro and just working. “
Day said winning at Ohio State shouldn’t be taken for granted, and he’s trying to stay focused on the inside as the team wraps up their first month.
“It’s always been about us,” Day said. “I don’t think, maybe other than once, when we just got beaten [last year’s national championship game against Alabama]. Every time we’ve lost the game here I’ve always felt like it was us, so it’s always a standard about who we are and to be the best version of yourself. “
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