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Ryan Day shares expectations for QB CJ Stroud in season opener

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Make no mistake about it: a lot is riding on Ohio State’s season opener against Minnesota.

At the end of the day, the Buckeyes will likely be clear favorites entering the contest and should come away from the game with a 1-0 record. However, C.J. Stroud needs to show that he can handle being a starting quarterback as a redshirt freshman.

As a true freshman, Stroud saw limited action in the shortened 2020 season. His official stats from that campaign are 1 carry for 48 yards and a touchdown in the win over Michigan State. But this summer, Stroud has done enough to earn the starting nod for Week 1.

Now, it’s up to Stroud to have a solid performance and show that he is the right man for the job. Jack Miller, Kyle McCord, and Quinn Ewers continue to wait in the wings and would love a crack at playing time should Stroud falter.

Fortunately, head coach Ryan Day discussed his expectations for Stroud on Monday in a positive light. According to Day, Stroud will not be asked to do anything extraordinary, in part because of the elite talent surrounding him.

Griffin Strom with Eleven Warriors shared Day’s comments:

Among other things, Day also mentioned Steele Chambers’ move to linebacker. Day said the former running back has been a nice surprise:

Ohio State will continue prepping for the season opener against the Gophers. Kickoff for that matchup is slated for Thursday, Sept. 2.

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.