PFF: CJ Stroud tops all quarterbacks over last three weeks
Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud has had a highly efficient and effective last three weeks. In fact, no college quarterback has graded higher than Stroud in that timespan, according to Pro Football Focus.
The football analytics group grades every snap of every grade to go beyond the classic box score stats.
Through the last three weeks, CJ Stroud’s 94.3 overall grade is first amongst all D-I quarterbacks. He’s had no turnover-worthy plays and just four incompletions that PFF deemed his fault. The freshman Buckeye is seventh in the country in passing yards per game.
The Buckeyes are 6-1 on the season behind Stroud’s play, which has gotten cleaner and cleaner since the beginning of the season. After throwing a pick in each game versus Minnesota, Oregon and Tulsa, he’s kept that column clear ever since. His touchdown-interception ratio is 22:3.
On top of the increased ball security, CJ Stroud has also dramatically increased his accuracy. He’s thrown above 72% in each of his last three games and posted a high of 75% versus Indiana.
Stroud threw 1,002 yards combined in the last three games and 14 touchdowns.
Though he still trails Ole Miss’s Matt Corral and Alabama’s Bryce Young in the Heisman odds, Stroud is closing the gap week after week.
Stroud’s secret? More snaps
Since a rocky start to the 2021 season, CJ Stroud has improved immensely. Ohio State head coach recognized the progress and put his finger on what’s made the difference.
“I think his preparation has been excellent,” Day started. “I think he sees the field well. He’s got some good players around him, but he’s also making some really good throws. His timing has been right. He’s seeing the field. He’s making good decisions. That’s allowing us to run the offense and be very efficient.
“I think the more he’s playing, the more he’s understanding that he can’t ride the rollercoaster. You gotta keep putting one play in front of the other. He’s gotta continue to do that.”
Stroud’s improved play is coming at a perfect time for the Buckeyes. Ohio State still has Penn State coming up this weekend, as well as Michigan and Michigan State to end the year. An appearance in the College Football Playoff is well within their reach.
Ohio State has the benefit of playing Saturday’s game at home. They also hold a four-game win streak over the Nittany Lions. Overall, the series is 21-14, in favor of the Buckeyes. Ohio State is a two-score favorite, according to VegasInsider.