It’s a scent that reaches CJ Stroud. Well, it was, among other things, his first Rose Bowl multi-sensory attack.
Talk about Rose and its many characteristics as much as you like. Whether it’s the sun setting over the San Gabriel Mountains, the parades that almost outshine the game itself, or Keith’s Jackson voice floating in the fantastical clouds above, there’s always that moment for newbies.
That’s what it was all about for the Ohio State junior quarterback.
“I would say rose, that’s about it,” Stroud said. The turf, everything was as expected and that’s what makes the Rose Bowl so special.”
These are the words of a child who grew up less than an hour from Pasadena, California. It’s one thing to watch Grandpa from ‘Em All’ on TV. Experiencing the uniqueness of the game is another.
In addition to the sights, colors and smells, it’s where the 2021 season ended and the 2022 season began for the No. 2 Buckeyes.
Anyone who witnessed that game on January 1st may be dazzled by Ohio State’s 48-45 victory over Utah. Stroud threw for a school-record 573 yards and a school-record-tying six touchdowns. Wide receiver Jackson-Smith-Nigba announced that he had 15 catches for an FBS bowl-record 347 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
“It was a combination of great brains and great players,” Stroud said. “…that was the most fun” [had playing] in my life. ”
“It could be a good year to go 11-2 and win the Rose Bowl. It’s not Ohio State,” manager Ryan Day said.
As a result, both turned out to be true. Combined, the lingering Rose Bowl scent, feel and look were ultimately the explaining point for a subpar season in Ohio.
“That was the goal,” Day said of his star offensive player springboard. “We talked about it coming in.”
Buckeye’s two biggest weapons right now are the Rat Pack of 2022, inseparable companions playing against each other. According to the Caesars Sportsbook, Stroud is Heisman’s favorite for his trophy and the odds are he is 2-1 this season. Just outside the top ten on that list is his Smith-Njigba. Arguably the game’s best receiver he’s 40-1. As OSU enters the year with his 20-1 record, he has another burgeoning superstar between the two.
“I don’t want to think about it, but I’m thinking about it,” said Stroud, who finished fourth in the Heisman voting as a 2021 finalist.
Stroud threw for the second-most yards (4,435) and touchdowns (44) in school history. Henderson averaged 6.8 yards per carry, gaining about 1,600 combined yards and scoring 19 touchdowns, achieving some exceptional single-game performances.
Smith Nigba, who plays behind Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, set school records in catches (95) and receives (1,606).Wilson and Olave combined just 25 touchdown catches en route to the NFL.At the Rose Bowl, Smith Nigba had something that could be good Moon for another player.
“I think I’m the best, so I have to work like that,” he said.
This is Ohio State’s best team since 2019, so the Buckeyes have room to dream wherever they are. Three years ago that team was good enough to win it all, but college football he derailed in the playoff semifinals to Clemson.
It took that long before Buckeye Nation was so happy about themselves again. The 2020 COVID-19-affected team played just eight games before being blown out 52-24 by Alabama in the Orange Bowl semifinals. , was the first game Ohio State lost at home to a Power Five non-conference opponent.
The latest non-conference challenge awaits. No. 5 Notre Dame comes into The Shoe as the 14.5 point underdog in Week 1’s Most Delicious Game.
Last November’s loss in Michigan was Day’s first Big Ten loss in his 24th conference game. The Ohio team led the nation in all-out offense. The problem was easy to identify. Defense, especially run defense, was flexible. His 3.68 yards per rush allowed defense was his second-highest average in his ten years at Ohio State. That Rose in his bowl, Utah scored his 45 points and tied his game record for a program bowl.
Most disturbing was Ohio State’s boat race out of Michigan Stadium in the second half to drop the Big Ten East crown. actual, many Disturbingly, it was the first time since 1891 that a defender gave up at least 40 points in consecutive games.
Almost everything at Ohio State should be viewed through a relative lens.recently stroud advocate revenue sharing In this era of names, images and likenesses. This is from an up-and-coming junior driving a Bentley as part of his NIL contract.
While on vacation in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, he expressed surprise at the recognition.
“It’s kind of cool, but it’s scary at the same time,” he said. “I’m not used to people staring at me.”
Nevermind there’s a lot of staring going on. After all, Stroud routinely performs in front of her 100,000 people. Ohio State University is one of the top 10 universities in the nation with over 500,000 alumni.
“I just want to get the days going,” added Stroud. “When I think about Heisman, I overtake myself and put too much pressure on myself.”
If the defense doesn’t improve, Stroud, Smith-Niziba and Henderson may need to carry the Buckeyes over everyone else.After all, Alabama is in his 2020 playoffs 3rd Worst Total Defense Never won a national championship (at least since 1936).
Smells like another title run?
“You don’t have to prove anyone wrong,” concluded Stroud. “We have to prove ourselves right.”