Ohio State Football: 3 Bold predictions for offense in 2021

C.J. Stroud will throw for 35+ touchdown passes for Ohio State

Replacing Justin Fields is a tall task. Fields was one of the best quarterbacks the Ohio State football team has ever had and carried his team to a perfect record in regular season play during the two years he was here. C.J. Stroud needs to make sure he plays his own game and doesn’t try to replicate Fields. Stroud is absolutely a capable quarterback who has just as much potential to light it up this season.

There are two things that will help Stroud as he learns the ropes of being a quarterback at the collegiate level. The first is his offensive line. More often than not, Stroud will benefit from a clean pocket and plenty of time to scan the field and find an open receiver.

This leads to the next benefit Stroud has, and that’s one of the best wide receiving groups. Between Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, Stroud has two potential top ten picks running routes on the outside. Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be a matchup nightmare in the slot and Ryan Day has already said the tight ends are going to become threats this year. Ohio State is loaded at the skill positions which will make it easier for Stroud to find an open guy.

The Buckeyes will benefit from playing a full season and having the need to keep their starters in to give them plenty of reps throughout the year. Stroud may not immediately replace Fields, but he will average three touchdown passes a game to end up north of 35 touchdown passes.