CJ Stroud discusses first career start, ‘learning experience’ type win vs. Minnesota

Thursday night’s season opener against Minnesota was far from smooth sailing for Ohio State, but the hard-fought provided plenty of growth opportunities for the Buckeyes.

In all honesty, the nature of the game should not have been surprising. Ryan Day’s squad is breaking in a number of young players at key positions, including redshirt freshman C.J. Stroud at quarterback.

Through 2 quarters, Stroud looked like one would expect from a player making his first career start on the road in a conference game. Combine those facts with a Minnesota team playing with a chip on its shoulder after 2020 and it was a perfect storm early.

Fortunately, Stroud settled in and went on to throw for 294 yards and 4 touchdowns. After the game, Stroud admitted to his struggles before halftime but felt like he settled in over the final 2 quarters.

He also went on to say that such an early test was a good “learning experience” heading into a Week 2 visit from Oregon. That is expected to be a much tougher task for the Buckeyes.

C.J. Stroud says he thinks tonight “was a great learning experience” going into next week’s game against Oregon.

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) September 3, 2021

Stroud also took time to highlight the receiving duo of Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, his two favorite targets from Thursday’s opener. Olave and Wilson combined for 9 receptions for 197 yards and 3 touchdowns.

C.J. Stroud on Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson: “Those are two of the best receivers in the country. The best receivers in the country. So thank God they’re on my team.”

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) September 3, 2021

Now, the Buckeyes turn their attention to Oregon next Saturday. That contest is set to kick off at 12 pm EST on FOX.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.