Five Bold predictions for the Ohio State Football team vs. Akron

Kyle McCord gets the start and looks great in his first game, leading to an outcry from fans for McCord to take over as the starting quarterback.

Alright, so maybe none of this is too bold. Kyle McCord is likely going to get the start after Ryan Day said C.J. Stroud is going to be resting his shoulder. And yes, McCord will likely put up big numbers because Akron is the worst team the Buckeyes will face all season and should be able to do whatever they want schematically. And sure, when McCord has a big game fans will want to see him take over as the starting quarterback going into the future.

But here is the bold prediction – that’s the wrong move.

C.J. Stroud is showing a lot of tendencies that first-time starting quarterbacks showcase. Playing tentatively and without much confidence and to be expected for a player who has never done this before. He has struggled at times throughout the season and there is some cause for concern in the near future.

What I do not understand is why is the belief that replacing Stroud with a player who had just as many college passing attempts as Stroud did to start the season (zero) is the answer. Stroud showed the coaching staff and players that he was the top quarterback throughout Spring and Summer. Just because there is a guy who was highly recruited (just like Stroud) waiting on the bench does not mean that he will come out and be the next Heisman winner.

I like Stroud, and I hope him all the best as he recovers. I like McCord and hope he performs well on Saturday and with whatever else he is asked to do this season. But, while I expect McCord to play well against Akron, I do not think that will be an indication of how he will perform against more difficult opponents.