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Maryland defensive back Nick Cross, right, forces Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson out of bounds during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, October 9, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo / Jay LaPrète)
By MITCH STACY AP Sports Writer
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – CJ Stroud, who didn’t throw a pass in a college football game until five weeks ago, says he’s improving to relax amid the chaos.
With his sore shoulder feeling better and a few early swings behind him, Stroud begins to look less like an inexperienced freshman and more like Justin Fields, his unfazed quarterback predecessor who led Ohio State to the playoffs. of college football during the two years as a starter.
“I’m just more comfortable,” Stroud said after throwing five touchdowns in the Buckeyes No.7 Game 66-17 against Maryland on Saturday. “I mean, be myself. I’m really relaxing there, and I think my teammates have really helped me. And I have the impression that we are starting to roll, to gain momentum.
Coach Ryan Day sees it too.
“I think his preparation has been excellent,” Day said. “I think he can see the pitch well. He has good players around him, but he also throws very well. His timing is good, he sees the field, makes good decisions. And so that allows us to lead the attack and be very effective. “
Ohio State scored on nine straight possessions and racked up 598 attacking yards as the Buckeyes (5-1, 3-0 Big Ten) made their way with the Terps (4-2, 1-2).
Stroud threw for 406 yards, including two touchdowns each for extended players Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson against a exhausted secondary from Maryland.
“Last week and this week we were almost perfect,” said Olave.
Buckeyes rookie TreVeyon Henderson, after just 17 rushing yards in the first half, finished with 102 and two touchdowns. He also caught a 26-yard touchdown pass in the first half. Master Teague took a touchdown dip as Ohio State beat Maryland for the seventh consecutive time.
It wasn’t until the Buckeyes’ 10th and last practice of the game, when the regulars were all out, that the Terps managed to stop them on the downs.
Ohio State “had guys like they fell from planes, they were so wide open,” Terps coach Mike Locksley said.
TWO FORTS, TERPS
Maryland was routed for the second week in a row. Taulia Tagovailoa threw five interceptions last week as Iowa knocked down the Terps 51-14. Tagovailoa threw two late picks against the Buckeyes on Saturday, but turnovers weren’t really the problem. The Terps offense couldn’t string enough positive plays together – and their defense just couldn’t stop Ohio State.
Tagovailoa, who entered the game leading the Big Ten in completion percentage, scored 28 for 39 for 279 yards and two touchdowns for Maryland.
“I made bad decisions,” he said.
Take it away
Maryland: After scoring three straight wins to start the season and Tagovailoa in big numbers, the Terps were full of confidence. That was until they met two back-to-back Top 10 teams that showed Locksley’s side they still have a long way to go in the tough Big Ten East.
Ohio State: Stroud has been spectacular the past few weeks, and the Buckeyes are getting bigger with every game. They have a week open before heading to Indiana and hope to peak before a critical showdown with Penn State on October 30.
DEFENSE ACCESSORIES
Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs, who was fired from his call-for-play duties after his unit struggled early on, was awarded a game ball on Saturday, Day said. The defense limited Maryland to 4.5 yards per play and had five sacks.
SURVEY IMPLICATIONS
Ohio State’s flashy offensive display should grab some attention and maybe a few more poll points.
INJURIES
Maryland: The Terps were without their main receiver, Dontay Demus Jr., who suffered a season-ending knee injury last week. And then WR Jeshaun Jones came out with an injury on the second game of Saturday’s game and didn’t come back. … CBs Kenny Bennett and Jakorian Bennett didn’t play either.
Ohio State: DT Haskell Garrett limped off the field with an apparent leg injury in the third quarter. There was no update after the game. … Miyan Williams, who started the season as the No. 1 backer, has been listed as unavailable for the second week in a row. The state of Ohio did not provide a reason.
FOLLOWING
Maryland: After a week off, the Terps host Minnesota.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes play Indiana on October 23.
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Follow Mitch Stacy on http://twitter.com/mitchstacy
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