Ohio State Football: Bold predictions for OSU vs. Minnesota
By Alex Austin
![COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 13: Jared Weyler #62 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Minnesota 30-14. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 13: Jared Weyler #62 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Minnesota 30-14. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/650a775e59c399a383f005c78eb37af8669c0d0f4ba3ee0869254f828c4b00d3.jpg)
C.J. Stroud jumps up the Heisman watch list
Will Stroud make some poor decisions this year? You bet. Could several come in this first game as he is getting acclimated to the speed of college football? Sure. Will that be the defining element of his play? Not by a long shot.
I think C.J. Stroud becomes a household name and a Heisman watch contender after this first game by lighting up the Minnesota defense. Minnesota did not make many improvements to their secondary from last year and is really hoping for players to grow and develop. While players are sure to get better, Ohio State’s offense is just too good for any but the best to stick with them.
Stroud is going to get a lot of stats from short throws early on as he is put in situations to win by his coaches. Once he gets a feel for the game, there will be no holding back as the Buckeyes launch the ball all over the field.
Justin Fields started his collegiate career at Ohio State by throwing for 234 yards and four touchdowns, and I would expect similar numbers from Stroud. That’s especially true when Stroud has the weapons to throw to that he does. Those receivers can really help him out.
After Stroud has a game under his belt, his games should only get better in the future. My last bold prediction has to do with my own personal final score of the game.