CJ Stroud reacts to upset-filled Week 2: 'Everybody's coming to take your spot'
Every given Saturday, a team is on upset watch. Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud knows this, too. He’s doing his best to make sure the Buckeyes avoid falling into the trap moving into Week 3.
Stroud told reporters Tuesday that it’s “exciting” to see teams be on upset alert come Saturdays. Then again, he isn’t trying to let Toledo pull off the victory in Columbus on Saturday at 7 p.m. E.T.
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“I know some teams took some losses, but it just shows you can lose to anybody,” Stroud said. “Everybody’s coming to take your spot in the rankings. … We don’t want to learn that the hard way again.”
Stroud on the number of upsets in Week 2: "I think it's exciting. I know some teams took some losses, but it just shows you can lose to anybody. Everybody's coming to take your spot in the rankings. … We don't want to learn that the hard way again."
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) September 13, 2022
The Buckeyes fell short in Week 2 of the 2021 season against Oregon at home. Stroud went 35-of-54 passing for 484 yards and 3 touchdowns against 1 interception en route to a 35-28 loss. The Buckeyes’ defense allowed the Ducks to tally over 500 yards of offense, including 161 rushing yards from running back CJ Verdell.
The loss at home was enough to knock Ohio State out of the College Football Playoff rankings come season’s end. Following a second loss to rival Michigan in the regular-season finale, the Wolverines would go on to represent the Big Ten East in the conference championship and later the CFP.
Stroud has been off to a hot start this season in Ryan Day’s offense. Through 2 games, he’s completed 69 percent of his passes for 574 yards and 6 touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception. Stroud also has been more dynamic when it comes to spreading around the ball, connecting with 8 different receivers for 43 completions.
The Buckeyes remain a favorite to win the Big Ten once more in 2022. The expectation is that Stroud should be able to take care of business against the Rockets’ defense. Then again, never expect a “sure-fire win” on a college football Saturday.