When you play for the Ohio State football program, you are judged on two things: winning national championships and beating Michigan. That’s how great players are remembered. Those that aren’t able to accomplish those goals aren’t remembered as fondly by the fans.
C.J. Stroud has yet to do either of those things. He is 0-2 against Michigan and hasn’t played a College Football Playoff Game yet. That will change on New Year’s Eve and he might still get a shot at TTUN again if the Buckeyes are able to win that game.
Speaking to the media today about the upcoming matchup vs. Georgia in the Peach Bowl, he was asked about playing TTUN. He responded in a way that Ohio State fans did not like in the slightest, saying that “one Saturday doesn’t define my legacy or who I am as a football player”.
C.J. Stroud: “One Saturday does not define my legacy or who I am as a football player.”
— Bill Bender (@BillBender92) December 14, 2022
Ohio State football fans heavily criticize C.J. Stroud on social media for his remark about The Game.
Fans took to social media to display their displeasure with the way Stroud thinks about The Game.
He just doesn’t get it……… https://t.co/V0Sa29i3qn
— BuckeyeNation (@buckeyefbnation) December 14, 2022
This quote is exactly why he’s 0-2 vs Michigan. This has Cooper-esq written over it.
— Jake Froelich (@froelich21) December 14, 2022
Mike Hart and Chad Henne were phenomenal at Michigan, but they are also remembered for being 0-4. Same will apply for Stroud.
This game means everything for your legacy. https://t.co/S6aUv1jxsi
Two Saturdays do https://t.co/CcN4xCQCp3
— Kevin Harvick Fan #4EVER (0-H-I-O) (@Harvickfan55) December 14, 2022
As you can see, Ohio State football fans do not mess with that rivalry. It’s why so many people get mad at the fact that John Cooper had some of the greatest teams in program history, yet he couldn’t beat TTUN. That’s his defining legacy as a coach.
I have to say, I disagree with Stroud on this one. This one game DOES define your legacy. He’s the first quarterback to go 0-2 against TTUN since before he was born. If you can’t win either game you play against Michigan, when you’re the more talented team I might add, that’s a major black eye to your legacy.
Stroud may not think it hinders his legacy but it definitely does. He still has a chance for redemption if he beats Georgia. Winning a national championship would sure change how fans look at him after he leaves Columbus.