Skull Session: Defining the Legacies of Recent Ohio State Quarterbacks, C.J. Stroud is a Hot Commodity in NFL Circles and Two Buckeyes Have a Lot to Prove Before the Draft
Nice analogy, Chase. Will be interesting to see how CJ, Luke, JSN and other OSU former college players fare in the NFL. A whole new world is opening up for these guys on the next level, while Buckeye Nation is wondering, hoping, praying, and surmising about what this fall will bring to the current Buckeyes still on the roster. I, for one, am hoping for sunshine and surprises (those of the terrific kind) with none of the disappointments such as those we suffered through last season.
The quarterback competition might prove very interesting. Go Bucks!
P.S. I enjoyed watching CJ play every time he set foot on the field. His composure was to be admired, even though I would've like to see more "in-your-face" encouragement (viz. J.T. Barrett who was great at rousing the troops).
Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. -- Michael Jordan
Really clever Spider Man analogy. Count me as pro-Stroud - he can’t be blamed for a historically bad defense one year, and a defensive collapse in the biggest games in the next. In addition, I think the anti-run sentiment wasn’t his doing at all, but in preservation to assure the offense could score 40+ per game to overcome the defensive ineptitude. I loved Fields , but stroud could drop a dime like no other.
It’s a clever analogy, but doesn’t capture the root of the conjecture surrounding Stroud’s legacy. Spider-man did not ultimately lose to his arch enemy, twice, in the 3rd movie.
For me, the best analog to Stroud’s legacy as a QB is John Cooper’s legacy as head coach.
Amazing Rose Bowl win.
Brought a lot of great players to the program.
Set a new standard at OSU.
HoF level career overall.
Struggled to win against TTUN.
I can’t but think that had Ohio State beaten Michigan at least once, Stroud would have at least one Heisman, possibly two if we’d won both times (65/97, 743 yards, four TDs, and two picks combined in those two games). He was the odds-on favorite going into The Game in 2021 and just behind Caleb Williams in 2022. Consensus All American with a tree in Buckeye Grove. It’s sad that a sucky defense had that kind of impact on his personal legacy.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
Saw a funny graphic over the weekend: Stetson Bennet is a two-time CFP NC wining QB, who will never be in the CFB HoF, because he was never an All American.
Agree, Navy. Part of every players legacy at tOSU is how many gold pants you win. For better or worse, its always the asterisk regardless of your record.
After the '69' upset we heard about UM beating our best team ever. Even the rivalry on the BIG network recently UM still claimed that. It's hard to claim him the best ever and having UM fans saying even with our best QB ever, we could defeat them. He was and is an outstanding passer. Good luck young man.
To continue the Spider-Man analogy, ol Peter Parker would have been impaled with a glider by Venom had Harry Osborne not sacrificed himself. When Stroud needed someone to “save him,” like the defense for example, they allowed five touchdowns to Hassan Haskins and then explosive plays that might still be happening as we speak in the Shoe. If the defense does that, Stroud ends up being the hero.
(I know the analogy isn’t bulletproof but I think it’s a pretty fun one. I like the Coop one, too!)
Stroud's consistent accuracy is like no other Buckeye QB before him. If I recall, the majority of his interceptions were initially tipped by his receivers, or if they broke the wrong way on a route. He rarely made any bad decisions.
I only wish we had seen more of Peach Bowl Stroud with that "put the team on my back" attitude. It was amazing to watch. I can't wait to see him in the NFL.
Fields was always that way because he had to do it all on his own in high school. Sometimes he tried to do too much on his own and that led to some negative plays. He's an exciting, powerful, 2-way QB and I wish him success.
Alcohol will not solve any of your problems, but then again, neither will milk or water.
Good piece Chase. Great song of the day. I used to watch that Spider Man show on Saturday mornings. Had a bunch of his comic books too. Should have kept them.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
Didn't have that one but had some with the Green Goblin and Dr. Octopus plus many others. Back then we passed comics around and read and re-read them many times. I did sell quite a few to a collector a few years back and made some money. Got tired of storing them. Nowadays, these things are treated like rare art.
Don't even ask me about the collector/ muscle cars I've had in the past. But, I had a lot of fun with them. I did manage to keep one though. I still have a 1962 Chevy stepside truck that's fun to drive. Who knew all of this stuff would be worth so much down the road?
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
Kind of odd that they have OSU winning at Notre Dame and michigan in arborville. Then losing at Wisconsin? Better that than losing to TTUN I guess. Way too early predictions are fun to read though. I think our offense will find its groove and be fine. As everyone else, I hope the defense improves its containment.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
I find that way too early prediction pretty absurd. I have seen nothing yet to give me confidence Ohio State can beat Michigan next year. Corum is back, as is Edwards and McCarthy. Ohio State has to rebuild an offensive line and find a quarterback.
But hey, don't let facts get in the way of their prediction!
Predictions are guesses. The past only predicts the future if you repeat the same mistakes and expect a different outcome. different players could result in a different outcome. Kind of like them predicting a Wisconsin victory. That’s why they play the games.
You're right bull. Some like to link baseball analogies and stats that work there most of the time but nearly as much in football. Let's at least get to the spring game with our roster nearly complete before we start jumping up and down because someone followed a prediction from those trying to be relevant.
If I may put on my statistician hat here for a second, there is not a sport where the "events" are as discrete and as individually-driven as they are in baseball. On top of that, managerial/coaching skill, at the major league level at least, doesn't matter nearly as much as it does in football. Projecting WAR (Wins Above Replacement, essentially player value,) especially a year out, is pretty straightforward due to these factors. To your point, making any analogy between baseball and any other sport in an analytical sense is a challenge to say the least.
Sorry to say but at this point in time I have to agree with you on the michigan game. But, football teams and seasons are funny and unusual things occur. We have as much or more talent than TTUN but they have us on experience in key positions. After all, we won a title with a 3rd string QB and beat mighty Bama in the playoffs. Who knew?
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
How many times has a team won a title with a third string QB? This is truly an anomaly. IMO, we won those games because of a road grader of an OL, a first round NFL back, and a defense that was peaking at the right moment. We also had a likely CFB HOF coach who had already won two titles, not a first time coach trying to figure shit out. I am not so sure how helpful this comparison is.
You are entitled to you own opinion, not your own facts.
can’t wait to see what evil coach day and the quarter back battle turn into in 2023. Also knowles, evaluate and evolve. You’re doing good things but you are taking WAY too many unnecessary risks.
Yeah. Good attempt to link topics, but Spiderman 3 is on the bottom 5 of all comic based movies. An insult to Stroud. It's be better to ignore that movie exists, and instead take the Andrew Garfield version/reboot.
To me, CJ Stroud to Ohio State is what Dan Marino was to Miami. Great stats, individual accolades, memorable moments, but never gaining the ultimate prize.
Let's just hope that the Buckeyes don't fall into the same 20+ year period of mediocrity that the Dolphins have seen since Marino retired.
Lifelong Dolfan here. The problem in Miami started when the franchise bailed on Shula and Marino thinking that the grass would be greener. THE fans should recognize and celebrate how fortunate we are to have such green pastures right here and now.
Time and change will surely show how firm thy friendship, O HI O.
Once Jimmy Johnson became head coach and started wearing a dark blue letterman's jacket with a capital D as his coaching attire, I was done with the Dolphins. No rooting for a faux Cowboys for me!
People are way to accepting after two losses to TTUN. Stroud was a good OSU quarterback and may turn out to be good NFL quarterback, but a "Great" OSU quarterback does not lose twice to TTUN.
DV me. I don't care. I don't recall Dilfer being an OSU quarterback. I have listened to fans begging for a competitive TTUN for years. Well, they are here. Most of the people on this board are too young to remember losing to that team. It ain't fun. We need a quarterback as tough as they are. If OSU doesn't get one soon, you all can get used to losing to them too.
meh---I'm definitely not "too young to remember", but that was then...now our focus is less on beating ttun (even though it's certainly one of our priorities), and more on getting to the CFP and winning a Natty--which we now know is possible even with a loss to the skunkbears.
..and fwiw, I didn't dv you, since you do make some salient points
i'm all in on cj and hope he goes on to be successful in the nfl. yes, he didn't scamper when we could've used some yards, but he carried that injury-prone mash unit on his back all year. he's up there with the best!
If we can maintain a solid offensive line, and shore up the back end of the defense, this team shouldn't miss a beat..we gotta best TTUN though, Day can't afford to go 1-3 against that booger eating, sleepover having ballhair..
The Song of the Day was such an inspiration. Just having a little fun on a Tuesday morning. (Not trying to offend those who disagree with my parody. Just seemed somehow appropriate because, well, you know...)
Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. -- Michael Jordan
This will be a transition year. Many guys left, many stepping up. We as fans will have to be patient while this thing plays out. Older fans realize this, and I hope the younger ones will give this team the time to find its identity. I never imagined we would get in the playoff after losing to TTUN and losing the B1G but we did. Our Buckeyes almost, almost beat Georgia. Let's just give it time to play out and not attack each other over differing opinions. And, don't down vote me or I'll be MAD !!
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
I didn’t downvote you because I didn’t want you to be mad. I upvoted you so that you might be happy. I am also an “older fan.” I agree that some aspects of 2023 will be ‘transition year’ esp CJ and the O line, but other aspects of the team are almost fully ‘intact’ like receivers, RB’s, LB’s, the best of the D line. AND two of the championships in my lifetime were what most of us would consider ‘transitional’ teams with the Super Sophs of ‘68 and the very surprising ‘02 team in Tressel’s 2nd year! So, could work out very well for us! Beat *ichigan and Go Bucks!
You're right about previous transitional teams though. You really never know what you'll get with some of these rosters, but we do have a lot of talent to tap into. I kind of think we will be fine next season. Maybe a loss along the way but every other team loses players too.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
Georgia, Iowa, potato, potato, we shredded them both. Question now is which young Buck QB, has next?
Without winners there wouldn't be any gosh darn civilization. We make no apologies for winning or for aiming our entire program toward that goal. - Woody Hayes
A big part of why --THE main reason why --Ohio St. didn't accomplish their goals with Stroud at qb was the sucky defense, not Stroud..could he have done/run more sometimes? of course. Do I wish the Stroud we say being tenacious against Georgia appeared more, esp in the scum game? yes...but overall he played very , very well and was not the reason OSU lost those games. it was sucky defense and some bad play-calling...Stroud will be missed more than some think. great player and seems to be as great of a person with integrity OSU fans can be proud of....thank God we don't have a punk like JJ on our team. .....and good old school cartoon song!
What will help Georgia is their schedule. Vanderbilt could make the playoffs with that schedule. We lost a few on the o line. Lost Hickman and brown in the secondary. Backups will have to step up on the o line. I think our defense gets better. Sure we break in a new qb but I would rather have a qb that’s been in the system for 2 years than one fresh out of high school.
CJ's legacy is complicated with fantastic stats, some amazing games, 2 time Heisman finalist, and on the flip the lack of team accolades and some perceptions about his style of play and personality.
Fair or unfair it's part and parcel of being the QB at OSU. I wish him future success nit only for him but fir OSU's brand.
I like the Spiderman 3 analogy and I thank CJ for what he has done at Ohio State... but also for moving on now to let someone new take the reins and see what this offense can morph into with some new blood in the QB role and other major spots, including OC.
The latest Spiderman movies were SO MUCH BETTER than those older ones. But I digress. Look, it's not "love him or hate him" when it comes to CJ, it's that he DID have some issues with performance in the "big games." It's a fact, and when you look at the NFL (Not For Long), they want guys in CJ's position--all the talent and coaching in the world on OSU football team--to take that ball into the endzone vs. Georgia and win the National Championship. End of story. A cold hard take is that with his talent and OSU's offensive talent, he had no business shrinking away in either Heisman race or losing to Georgia and TTUN twice. I know the defense is mostly to blame in all three losses, but we're talking about a 1st round NFL draft pick here, not my son in his pop warner league. This criticism is MILD compared to what he will get everyday in the NFL. And I love him. Bottom line is that he has all the tools to be great in the NFL, but he still needs to find that "killer instinct" that will leave no doubt. Champions find a way to make it happen when the ball is in their hands. End of story.
The thing I like about Chase’s Spider-Man analogy, is that the franchise has had so many iterations and successes. The QB battle is on to see who starts as Spiderman for the Andrew Garfield series. “End of story.” No, the show must go on.
Time and change will surely show how firm thy friendship, O HI O.
I like the analogy too, but I'm struggling to remember which movie that Spiderman, old or new, "lost" in the end. I guess Andrew Garfield's alt-universe Spidey DID lose (SPOILER ALERT!!!!!) MJ, but they all won the last one together. But yes, it is very much the "end of story" for CJ's time at OSU. Sadly, there will be no more CJ QB OSU movies just like there won't be any more Henry Cavill Superman (or Witcher!) movies. *SIGH*
He played well in some big games too (uga, Utah, and the ‘21 ttun I would argue as well.) The fact is, all qbs have some issues. To compare him to perfection is just silly as well as disingenuous unless you’re going to compare all to this mythological flawless qb.
Who is asking for "perfection?" Who is talking about a "mythological flawless qb." Certainly not me. I'm offering an honest, unvarnished assessment of CJ now that we're "eulogizing" him in today's Skully. And if we're REALLY being honest, CJ's "struggles" this year began in the PSU game. Were it not for the singular effort of JTT, we lose that game. Every game AFTER Iowa was an "adventure." (except Indiana) Bottom line is that CJ was a great OSU QB, historically speaking, but he is most certainly the Andrew Garfield of the Spiderman universe analogy with Haskins as the Tobey Maguire Spidey, and Justin Fields as the Tom Holland Spidey. NERD ALERT. lol
Stroud's legacy will be playing on some teams with really bad defenses that prevented the team from winning championships. I wouldn't put any of his loses on anything he did wrong. I'm really tired of hearing how JT Barrett or anyone else would have beat Michigan the last 2 years, if Stroud wasn't enough to win, I can guarantee Barrett wouldn't have done any better.
Also its kind of sad I was just thinking about how his game against Georgia was a legendary performance but I'll literally never see any of it again since I don't ever rewatch loses. The defense robbed him of having one of the greatest wins by a Buckeye qb ever.
Its really just the luck of the draw for a qb, Bryce Young never won a national championship at Bama either and he's probably the best qb Saban has had.
I know you're just quoting from The Athletic, which has it wrong, but FYI, Wypler started all 26 games the past two years, not 19. He played more snaps than anyone on the team those two years.
Day didn't want Stroud to run in 22 because both of the starting RB's were injured all year and the only healthy one was a true freshman. Day couldn't risk his QB getting injured as well. Day had so many games with questionable play calling most people were demanding he give up play calling to "someone else". Stroud never played a single snap on D. Maybe if he had there wouldn't have been the total collapse that we witnessed.
A lot of different offensive schemes so it's hard to fully do an apples to apples comparison (as does viewing any NFL success or lack thereof). The WRs were great for Smith (Ginn, Gonzalez, Holmes), maybe you'd say took a step back, and then have been great again for the last while.
It's kind of wild to think Barrett went 4-0 against Michigan (and left two of those games with injuries) and most people probably don't have him in their top 5.
Longtime reader, first time commenter (I just got access to my account today!).
Anyway, this was a great read. The Spider-Man movie series analogy was spot on. But while I can understand why people did not like Spider-Man 3 because it was overly ambitious, I've never quite understood the anti-Stroud crowd. There is no disputing his talent, and he showed more than once that he could rise up to carry the team. The four losses that OSU suffered during his tenure as starting QB aren't on him - those are team losses (mainly looking at the defense here).
Can't wait to see who Stroud is drafted by, hope he goes top 5 and does well. It's really nice seeing all the former Buckeyes in the league making an impact.
I hope he goes high as well, but that he goes to an organization in which he will be reasonably well supported. Would hate to see another situation like Fields in Chicago. Seemingly chronic instability, few weapons around him, a line that can't protect him, etc.
Alas, it is the fate during rookie year of almost every near #1 draft pick, especially QBs, to play for an organization that desperately needs to fill more position holes than can be addressed in one draft.
Time and change will surely show how firm thy friendship, O HI O.
Very true. There’s a reason most teams near the top are there. So, I should say that I hope he lands in one of the better team contexts (ie, Seattle rather than, well, anyone in front of them).
CJ was not polarizing as in Love or Hate. Was somewhere in between, more towards Love. Thought best performance was in Rose Bowl - a Win. GA game was a very good try, but alas - a Loss. Recall, Brady is the GOAT because of his winning record.
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Congrats to CJ! So glad we replace talent with talent. Can’t wait to see this offense this season!
Nice analogy, Chase. Will be interesting to see how CJ, Luke, JSN and other OSU former college players fare in the NFL. A whole new world is opening up for these guys on the next level, while Buckeye Nation is wondering, hoping, praying, and surmising about what this fall will bring to the current Buckeyes still on the roster. I, for one, am hoping for sunshine and surprises (those of the terrific kind) with none of the disappointments such as those we suffered through last season.
The quarterback competition might prove very interesting. Go Bucks!
P.S. I enjoyed watching CJ play every time he set foot on the field. His composure was to be admired, even though I would've like to see more "in-your-face" encouragement (viz. J.T. Barrett who was great at rousing the troops).
Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. -- Michael Jordan
Really clever Spider Man analogy. Count me as pro-Stroud - he can’t be blamed for a historically bad defense one year, and a defensive collapse in the biggest games in the next. In addition, I think the anti-run sentiment wasn’t his doing at all, but in preservation to assure the offense could score 40+ per game to overcome the defensive ineptitude. I loved Fields , but stroud could drop a dime like no other.
It’s a clever analogy, but doesn’t capture the root of the conjecture surrounding Stroud’s legacy. Spider-man did not ultimately lose to his arch enemy, twice, in the 3rd movie.
For me, the best analog to Stroud’s legacy as a QB is John Cooper’s legacy as head coach.
Amazing Rose Bowl win.
Brought a lot of great players to the program.
Set a new standard at OSU.
HoF level career overall.
Struggled to win against TTUN.
I can’t but think that had Ohio State beaten Michigan at least once, Stroud would have at least one Heisman, possibly two if we’d won both times (65/97, 743 yards, four TDs, and two picks combined in those two games). He was the odds-on favorite going into The Game in 2021 and just behind Caleb Williams in 2022. Consensus All American with a tree in Buckeye Grove. It’s sad that a sucky defense had that kind of impact on his personal legacy.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
Agreed.
Saw a funny graphic over the weekend: Stetson Bennet is a two-time CFP NC wining QB, who will never be in the CFB HoF, because he was never an All American.
Agree, Navy. Part of every players legacy at tOSU is how many gold pants you win. For better or worse, its always the asterisk regardless of your record.
Yeah, I agree with you. Not really sure I'm on board with that stretch of an analogy. Or his point that people love or hate Stroud.
He was a great passer, but 0-2 against Michigan. Not sure how that makes me a lover or a hater but whatever.
After the '69' upset we heard about UM beating our best team ever. Even the rivalry on the BIG network recently UM still claimed that. It's hard to claim him the best ever and having UM fans saying even with our best QB ever, we could defeat them. He was and is an outstanding passer. Good luck young man.
To continue the Spider-Man analogy, ol Peter Parker would have been impaled with a glider by Venom had Harry Osborne not sacrificed himself. When Stroud needed someone to “save him,” like the defense for example, they allowed five touchdowns to Hassan Haskins and then explosive plays that might still be happening as we speak in the Shoe. If the defense does that, Stroud ends up being the hero.
(I know the analogy isn’t bulletproof but I think it’s a pretty fun one. I like the Coop one, too!)
Stroud's consistent accuracy is like no other Buckeye QB before him. If I recall, the majority of his interceptions were initially tipped by his receivers, or if they broke the wrong way on a route. He rarely made any bad decisions.
I only wish we had seen more of Peach Bowl Stroud with that "put the team on my back" attitude. It was amazing to watch. I can't wait to see him in the NFL.
Fields was always that way because he had to do it all on his own in high school. Sometimes he tried to do too much on his own and that led to some negative plays. He's an exciting, powerful, 2-way QB and I wish him success.
Alcohol will not solve any of your problems, but then again, neither will milk or water.
Good piece Chase. Great song of the day. I used to watch that Spider Man show on Saturday mornings. Had a bunch of his comic books too. Should have kept them.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
Hope you didn't throw this one away, Sunny Buck! Went for 12 grand at Heritage Auctions in 2019! (Some of the prices old comics fetch are insane.)
Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. -- Michael Jordan
Didn't have that one but had some with the Green Goblin and Dr. Octopus plus many others. Back then we passed comics around and read and re-read them many times. I did sell quite a few to a collector a few years back and made some money. Got tired of storing them. Nowadays, these things are treated like rare art.
Don't even ask me about the collector/ muscle cars I've had in the past. But, I had a lot of fun with them. I did manage to keep one though. I still have a 1962 Chevy stepside truck that's fun to drive. Who knew all of this stuff would be worth so much down the road?
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
USA Today has us going 11-1, only loss at Wisky.
http://buckeyeswire.usatoday.com/lists/early-predictions-for-the-2023-ohio-state-football-schedule/
Back to the CFP Baby!!!!!
Kind of odd that they have OSU winning at Notre Dame and michigan in arborville. Then losing at Wisconsin? Better that than losing to TTUN I guess. Way too early predictions are fun to read though. I think our offense will find its groove and be fine. As everyone else, I hope the defense improves its containment.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
I find that way too early prediction pretty absurd. I have seen nothing yet to give me confidence Ohio State can beat Michigan next year. Corum is back, as is Edwards and McCarthy. Ohio State has to rebuild an offensive line and find a quarterback.
But hey, don't let facts get in the way of their prediction!
We had #1 O and should get our D top 10.
Predictions are guesses. The past only predicts the future if you repeat the same mistakes and expect a different outcome. different players could result in a different outcome. Kind of like them predicting a Wisconsin victory. That’s why they play the games.
You're right bull. Some like to link baseball analogies and stats that work there most of the time but nearly as much in football. Let's at least get to the spring game with our roster nearly complete before we start jumping up and down because someone followed a prediction from those trying to be relevant.
If I may put on my statistician hat here for a second, there is not a sport where the "events" are as discrete and as individually-driven as they are in baseball. On top of that, managerial/coaching skill, at the major league level at least, doesn't matter nearly as much as it does in football. Projecting WAR (Wins Above Replacement, essentially player value,) especially a year out, is pretty straightforward due to these factors. To your point, making any analogy between baseball and any other sport in an analytical sense is a challenge to say the least.
Sorry to say but at this point in time I have to agree with you on the michigan game. But, football teams and seasons are funny and unusual things occur. We have as much or more talent than TTUN but they have us on experience in key positions. After all, we won a title with a 3rd string QB and beat mighty Bama in the playoffs. Who knew?
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
Fickell > Harbaugh
Dear lord.
How many times has a team won a title with a third string QB? This is truly an anomaly. IMO, we won those games because of a road grader of an OL, a first round NFL back, and a defense that was peaking at the right moment. We also had a likely CFB HOF coach who had already won two titles, not a first time coach trying to figure shit out. I am not so sure how helpful this comparison is.
You are entitled to you own opinion, not your own facts.
...and a wide receiver in Devin Smith who caught EVERY 50/50 ball...every...single...one
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
Yep, good call, Devin Smith was a freak that way and shouldn't be left off the list of factors.
You are entitled to you own opinion, not your own facts.
Does that mean Wisconsin will have a shot to make their second playoff appearance?
Well put Chase. I’m pro spider man 3/CJ.
can’t wait to see what evil coach day and the quarter back battle turn into in 2023. Also knowles, evaluate and evolve. You’re doing good things but you are taking WAY too many unnecessary risks.
OSU ALUM
This comment is not part of an analogy.
I learned something new today. There actually are people who like Spider-Man 3. I never heard that before.
Bahahahahahahahahah
OSU ALUM
Yeah. Good attempt to link topics, but Spiderman 3 is on the bottom 5 of all comic based movies. An insult to Stroud. It's be better to ignore that movie exists, and instead take the Andrew Garfield version/reboot.
To me, CJ Stroud to Ohio State is what Dan Marino was to Miami. Great stats, individual accolades, memorable moments, but never gaining the ultimate prize.
Let's just hope that the Buckeyes don't fall into the same 20+ year period of mediocrity that the Dolphins have seen since Marino retired.
Lifelong Dolfan here. The problem in Miami started when the franchise bailed on Shula and Marino thinking that the grass would be greener. THE fans should recognize and celebrate how fortunate we are to have such green pastures right here and now.
Time and change will surely show how firm thy friendship, O HI O.
Once Jimmy Johnson became head coach and started wearing a dark blue letterman's jacket with a capital D as his coaching attire, I was done with the Dolphins. No rooting for a faux Cowboys for me!
People are way to accepting after two losses to TTUN. Stroud was a good OSU quarterback and may turn out to be good NFL quarterback, but a "Great" OSU quarterback does not lose twice to TTUN.
ernie
This guy thinks Trent Dilfer is one of the greats.
DV me. I don't care. I don't recall Dilfer being an OSU quarterback. I have listened to fans begging for a competitive TTUN for years. Well, they are here. Most of the people on this board are too young to remember losing to that team. It ain't fun. We need a quarterback as tough as they are. If OSU doesn't get one soon, you all can get used to losing to them too.
ernie
meh---I'm definitely not "too young to remember", but that was then...now our focus is less on beating ttun (even though it's certainly one of our priorities), and more on getting to the CFP and winning a Natty--which we now know is possible even with a loss to the skunkbears.
..and fwiw, I didn't dv you, since you do make some salient points
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
Winning the big 10 means something, Beating Michigan means everything, winning a national title is icing, it is not the cake.
One Shoe
To accepting huh? Well you’ve obviously not accepted it so how’s that working out for you? What changes have you made to improve the team?
Eyeroll emoji
Priority #1: Beat Michigan
Nice Skully, Chase, well done...and here's hoping CJ has a Brady-like career in the NFL--long, successful, and major injury free.
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
That's a good analogy about Spiderman and the QBs... It just so happens SM3 is the least of those 3 movies for me but I do like all 3 of them.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
i'm all in on cj and hope he goes on to be successful in the nfl. yes, he didn't scamper when we could've used some yards, but he carried that injury-prone mash unit on his back all year. he's up there with the best!
klusewski
If we can maintain a solid offensive line, and shore up the back end of the defense, this team shouldn't miss a beat..we gotta best TTUN though, Day can't afford to go 1-3 against that booger eating, sleepover having ballhair..
The Song of the Day was such an inspiration. Just having a little fun on a Tuesday morning. (Not trying to offend those who disagree with my parody. Just seemed somehow appropriate because, well, you know...)
Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. -- Michael Jordan
For those of you who DVed this parody...(what do you think now after Holtmann's 5th loss in a row?)
Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. -- Michael Jordan
This will be a transition year. Many guys left, many stepping up. We as fans will have to be patient while this thing plays out. Older fans realize this, and I hope the younger ones will give this team the time to find its identity. I never imagined we would get in the playoff after losing to TTUN and losing the B1G but we did. Our Buckeyes almost, almost beat Georgia. Let's just give it time to play out and not attack each other over differing opinions. And, don't down vote me or I'll be MAD !!
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
I didn’t downvote you because I didn’t want you to be mad. I upvoted you so that you might be happy. I am also an “older fan.” I agree that some aspects of 2023 will be ‘transition year’ esp CJ and the O line, but other aspects of the team are almost fully ‘intact’ like receivers, RB’s, LB’s, the best of the D line. AND two of the championships in my lifetime were what most of us would consider ‘transitional’ teams with the Super Sophs of ‘68 and the very surprising ‘02 team in Tressel’s 2nd year! So, could work out very well for us! Beat *ichigan and Go Bucks!
B Buehler
Up vote J. I don't want you mad at me either. /s
You're right about previous transitional teams though. You really never know what you'll get with some of these rosters, but we do have a lot of talent to tap into. I kind of think we will be fine next season. Maybe a loss along the way but every other team loses players too.
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
The Georgia's defense is better "by a mile" line in the article is utterly ridiculous SEC blather! Iowa's D is right there with Georgia's.
Joe Swartz
Georgia, Iowa, potato, potato, we shredded them both. Question now is which young Buck QB, has next?
Without winners there wouldn't be any gosh darn civilization. We make no apologies for winning or for aiming our entire program toward that goal. - Woody Hayes
A big part of why --THE main reason why --Ohio St. didn't accomplish their goals with Stroud at qb was the sucky defense, not Stroud..could he have done/run more sometimes? of course. Do I wish the Stroud we say being tenacious against Georgia appeared more, esp in the scum game? yes...but overall he played very , very well and was not the reason OSU lost those games. it was sucky defense and some bad play-calling...Stroud will be missed more than some think. great player and seems to be as great of a person with integrity OSU fans can be proud of....thank God we don't have a punk like JJ on our team. .....and good old school cartoon song!
What will help Georgia is their schedule. Vanderbilt could make the playoffs with that schedule. We lost a few on the o line. Lost Hickman and brown in the secondary. Backups will have to step up on the o line. I think our defense gets better. Sure we break in a new qb but I would rather have a qb that’s been in the system for 2 years than one fresh out of high school.
Doug
CJ's legacy is complicated with fantastic stats, some amazing games, 2 time Heisman finalist, and on the flip the lack of team accolades and some perceptions about his style of play and personality.
Fair or unfair it's part and parcel of being the QB at OSU. I wish him future success nit only for him but fir OSU's brand.
Muck Fichigan
I like the Spiderman 3 analogy and I thank CJ for what he has done at Ohio State... but also for moving on now to let someone new take the reins and see what this offense can morph into with some new blood in the QB role and other major spots, including OC.
The latest Spiderman movies were SO MUCH BETTER than those older ones. But I digress. Look, it's not "love him or hate him" when it comes to CJ, it's that he DID have some issues with performance in the "big games." It's a fact, and when you look at the NFL (Not For Long), they want guys in CJ's position--all the talent and coaching in the world on OSU football team--to take that ball into the endzone vs. Georgia and win the National Championship. End of story. A cold hard take is that with his talent and OSU's offensive talent, he had no business shrinking away in either Heisman race or losing to Georgia and TTUN twice. I know the defense is mostly to blame in all three losses, but we're talking about a 1st round NFL draft pick here, not my son in his pop warner league. This criticism is MILD compared to what he will get everyday in the NFL. And I love him. Bottom line is that he has all the tools to be great in the NFL, but he still needs to find that "killer instinct" that will leave no doubt. Champions find a way to make it happen when the ball is in their hands. End of story.
Round on the ends and "HI" in the middle. O-HI-O.
The thing I like about Chase’s Spider-Man analogy, is that the franchise has had so many iterations and successes. The QB battle is on to see who starts as Spiderman for the Andrew Garfield series. “End of story.” No, the show must go on.
Time and change will surely show how firm thy friendship, O HI O.
I like the analogy too, but I'm struggling to remember which movie that Spiderman, old or new, "lost" in the end. I guess Andrew Garfield's alt-universe Spidey DID lose (SPOILER ALERT!!!!!) MJ, but they all won the last one together. But yes, it is very much the "end of story" for CJ's time at OSU. Sadly, there will be no more CJ QB OSU movies just like there won't be any more Henry Cavill Superman (or Witcher!) movies. *SIGH*
Round on the ends and "HI" in the middle. O-HI-O.
He played well in some big games too (uga, Utah, and the ‘21 ttun I would argue as well.) The fact is, all qbs have some issues. To compare him to perfection is just silly as well as disingenuous unless you’re going to compare all to this mythological flawless qb.
Who is asking for "perfection?" Who is talking about a "mythological flawless qb." Certainly not me. I'm offering an honest, unvarnished assessment of CJ now that we're "eulogizing" him in today's Skully. And if we're REALLY being honest, CJ's "struggles" this year began in the PSU game. Were it not for the singular effort of JTT, we lose that game. Every game AFTER Iowa was an "adventure." (except Indiana) Bottom line is that CJ was a great OSU QB, historically speaking, but he is most certainly the Andrew Garfield of the Spiderman universe analogy with Haskins as the Tobey Maguire Spidey, and Justin Fields as the Tom Holland Spidey. NERD ALERT. lol
Round on the ends and "HI" in the middle. O-HI-O.
Stroud's legacy will be playing on some teams with really bad defenses that prevented the team from winning championships. I wouldn't put any of his loses on anything he did wrong. I'm really tired of hearing how JT Barrett or anyone else would have beat Michigan the last 2 years, if Stroud wasn't enough to win, I can guarantee Barrett wouldn't have done any better.
Also its kind of sad I was just thinking about how his game against Georgia was a legendary performance but I'll literally never see any of it again since I don't ever rewatch loses. The defense robbed him of having one of the greatest wins by a Buckeye qb ever.
Its really just the luck of the draw for a qb, Bryce Young never won a national championship at Bama either and he's probably the best qb Saban has had.
I know you're just quoting from The Athletic, which has it wrong, but FYI, Wypler started all 26 games the past two years, not 19. He played more snaps than anyone on the team those two years.
Day didn't want Stroud to run in 22 because both of the starting RB's were injured all year and the only healthy one was a true freshman. Day couldn't risk his QB getting injured as well. Day had so many games with questionable play calling most people were demanding he give up play calling to "someone else". Stroud never played a single snap on D. Maybe if he had there wouldn't have been the total collapse that we witnessed.
BUCKSRUS
Could have used Back 2 the Future as well.
Because while 3 was a nice end to the movie, it didnt hit like 1 and 2 especially 2.
It doesn't matter whether you're the lion or a gazelle-when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.
The run of QBs the last...20 years has been fun.
McMullen/Krenzel -> Krenzel -> Zwick/Smith -> Smith -> Boeckman -> Boeckman/Pryor -> Pryor -> Basuerman(shutters)/Miller -> Miller -> Barrett -> Jones/Barrett -> Barrett -> Haskins -> Fields -> Stroud
A lot of different offensive schemes so it's hard to fully do an apples to apples comparison (as does viewing any NFL success or lack thereof). The WRs were great for Smith (Ginn, Gonzalez, Holmes), maybe you'd say took a step back, and then have been great again for the last while.
It's kind of wild to think Barrett went 4-0 against Michigan (and left two of those games with injuries) and most people probably don't have him in their top 5.
What, are you trying to be an Irish R&B singer??
Longtime reader, first time commenter (I just got access to my account today!).
Anyway, this was a great read. The Spider-Man movie series analogy was spot on. But while I can understand why people did not like Spider-Man 3 because it was overly ambitious, I've never quite understood the anti-Stroud crowd. There is no disputing his talent, and he showed more than once that he could rise up to carry the team. The four losses that OSU suffered during his tenure as starting QB aren't on him - those are team losses (mainly looking at the defense here).
F Xichigan... and the SEC.
Welcome Buck, good post. Have an upvote!
I'm not trying to win a popularity contest. I'm trying to win football games-- Woody Hayes
Can't wait to see who Stroud is drafted by, hope he goes top 5 and does well. It's really nice seeing all the former Buckeyes in the league making an impact.
I hope he goes high as well, but that he goes to an organization in which he will be reasonably well supported. Would hate to see another situation like Fields in Chicago. Seemingly chronic instability, few weapons around him, a line that can't protect him, etc.
F Xichigan... and the SEC.
Alas, it is the fate during rookie year of almost every near #1 draft pick, especially QBs, to play for an organization that desperately needs to fill more position holes than can be addressed in one draft.
Time and change will surely show how firm thy friendship, O HI O.
Very true. There’s a reason most teams near the top are there. So, I should say that I hope he lands in one of the better team contexts (ie, Seattle rather than, well, anyone in front of them).
F Xichigan... and the SEC.
Frankly, Sueing's minutes need decreased. I don't think he brings much to this team. Play some other guys
puddy
CJ was not polarizing as in Love or Hate. Was somewhere in between, more towards Love. Thought best performance was in Rose Bowl - a Win. GA game was a very good try, but alas - a Loss. Recall, Brady is the GOAT because of his winning record.
osufan