Heading into Saturday’s game against a struggling Northwestern team, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud was on a roll, and looking like the best quarterback prospect in the 2023 NFL draft class.
After his performance in a 21-7 game that was much closer than the final score might indicate, some might have some questions about those top-shelf projections.
Stroud completed just 10 of his 26 passes for 76 yards and no touchdowns, easily one of the worst performances of his career.
Both teams were dealing with swirling winds throughout the game, which clearly impacted the passing game. And while Stroud wasn’t able to have the numbers he’s used to through the air, he did manage to tally 79 yards on just six rushing attempts.
It’ll take more than one rough outing in strange weather to knock Stroud too far down the draft board, but it’s definitely not a stat line we’re used to seeing from the Heisman Trophy candidate.