Ryan Day sends message to Heisman voters after CJ Stroud's performance vs. Michigan State

The Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day has a message for Heisman Trophy voters after the performance by his quarterback on Saturday. Buckeyes quarterback CJ Stroud had himself a day at the expense of the Michigan State Spartans. And the best part about his performance, for Ohio State fans, is it only took a half of play.

In the press conference after the game, Day was asked what his performance today means at the national level.

“Yeah, I mean I think his preparation has allowed him the opportunity to be in these situations,” Day began. But I think when you’re looking at the way he’s playing, not that you know this really matters to our team or not, but you know when you only play really one half of football, and you throw for six touchdowns I just think that that matters when you’re looking at statistics.

“And the level of play that he’s playing at right now is very high and I think that needs to be taken into consideration. But you know our focus is on the team up north right now and getting ready for those guys and figuring out a way to get this team ready to go play them next Saturday up there.”

Matt Leinart narrows has Stroud as one of two Heisman Trophy frontrunners

The Heisman Trophy conversation is in full swing and after brilliant performances from two of the top young quarterbacks in the nation on Saturday, it appears that it’s a two-man race.

Matt Leinart was the 2004 winner as the quarterback of the USC Trojans, who is now a FOX college football analyst chimed in on his thoughts about who he believes will claim the ultimate prize this season.

“The Heisman Trophy is between CJ Stroud and Bryce Young,” the former USC star said on Saturday. “Both Southern Cal boys. A couple HUGE opportunities for the young men over next few weeks.”

At this point, it feels like Leinart, like most sports media folks, don’t see a path for anyone other than one of the two young guns. Anyone with a pulse on college football understands how difficult it is for a non-quarterback to win the coveted award.

Since Leinart was named the Heisman Trophy winner 17 years ago, there have been just four non-quarterbacks to win the honor. Last season, Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith became the first player at his position to win the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991. The running back trio of Derrick Henry (2015), Mark Ingram (2009) and Reggie Bush (2005) were the other players in the period to win.