Ohio State Football: Three reasons why Kyle McCord should start at QB
By Ryan Stano
The Ohio State football team has struggled to finish drives
Besides some huge breakout plays by some really good players, the Buckeyes have struggled to move the ball consistently on offense. Ohio State didn’t score a single one of their touchdowns while they were in the red zone against Minnesota. It hasn’t gotten much better since then.
This offense is relying on big plays in order to score touchdowns. TreVeyon Henderson runs and runs after the catch by receivers are accounting for a large chunk of these touchdowns. Only once against Tulsa did Stroud throw a touchdown in the red zone, and it was his only score of the game.
It has become clear that Stroud can’t, or won’t because of injury, throw the ball down the field. He took one deep shot against Tulsa and actually did complete it, but it was called back due to a penalty. It was the only time they tried to stretch the defense vertically all game.
The Buckeyes need someone out there who isn’t afraid to take these deep shots. Taking those shots will keep the safeties back and allow more running room for Henderson. Then when the safeties do creep up to stop him, they can go play-action and go deep again.
Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson are two of the best deep-ball catchers in the country. They have to get an opportunity to actually catch some deep balls. It’s something that would benefit everyone on the offensive side of the ball.
The last reason why McCord should start has to deal with talent.