Ohio State Football: C.J. Stroud can steal the Heisman this week

With just 22 days until the Heisman presentation on Saturday, December 11 in New York, the race is open and ready for someone to make a statement. C.J. Stroud has a chance to put on a notable performance this weekend against Michigan State and push his name to the top of many Heisman ballots. The Buckeyes quarterback has been scorching since returning from the shoulder injury in September and has a real shot at winning the Ohio State Football team’s record-breaking eighth winner.

The Buckeyes opponent at noon on Saturday has a Heisman candidate of their own in running back Kenneth Walker III. After transferring from Wake Forest prior to his junior season, Walker has been the best back in the Big Ten and has recorded 1,473 rushing yards (2nd in the nation) and 17 rushing touchdowns (tied 1st in the nation) in 10 games. Michigan State feeds him early and often as Walker has 60+ rushing attempts in both the first and second quarter.

Ryan Day’s defense will need to be at their best to limit such a dynamic and smart running back. If the Ohio State Football team is able to do so and Stroud continues his hot streak, he would greatly increase his Heisman chances. The freshman QB was unconscious in October, completing 71.2% of his throws for 1,307 yards (11.1 per attempt) and a perfect 15-0 touchdown-interception ratio. He’s been extremely accurate and on schedule since coming back in a 52-13 win at Rutgers.

The other main Heisman contender is Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, who has been the favorite for the majority of the season. He has an elite pocket sense and quick release, recording 3,025 passing yards in his first season as starter.

Young ranks 3rd in the country with 33 touchdowns and 4th with an 86.9 QBR. He had four games with 4+ passing touchdowns, while Stroud had five games with 4+ TD including three performances with five touchdowns.

I think Stroud has a great chance to put on a show on Saturday against the Spartans, who have the worst ranked pass defense in the entire country. I’m confident he will be able to find Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in space and open downfield.

It’s a major opportunity for Stroud to take a step closer to the Heisman trophy.