CJ Stroud explains how big upsets in college football help keep him focused

CJ Stroud and the Ohio State Buckeyes escaped a week one upset against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Unfortunately for Notre Dame, in Week 2, they could not do the same as they lost at home to Marshall. But they weren’t the only major program to suffer an upset loss in Week 2. And with the college football landscape seeing some teams rise up to the challenge of taking on elite programs, Stroud has taken notice. recently, during a press conference, he explained how big upsets in college football help keep him focused.

“Yeah, I think it’s exciting. I know some teams took some losses, but I just think that shows everybody; every week, you can lose to anybody,” said Stroud. “It doesn’t matter who you play. Everybody is coming into to take your spot in the rankings.

“So, I think that’s just something with our team. We don’t want to learn the hard way this season. I know we did that last year; so we don’t learn the hard way again. We’re harping on; it’s not about anybody else. It’s about us. If we come and play Ohio State ball, and we play like we know we’re supposed to play, then we shouldn’t have any issues. But at the same time, we respect all of our opponents. We approach each opponent the same and just try to get better and better each and every week; in practice and executing the game. So, I think we are definitely building on that.”

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

Ohio State did suffer two losses last season, which prevented them from making it into the College Football Playoff. But those two losses were two elite caliber teams in the Oregon Ducks and Michigan Wolverines. However, if they want to stay in the College Football Playoff, Stroud is right. The Buckeyes must remain focused on themselves and expect a fight no matter who they face.

Stroud calls veteran tight end Cade Stover a ‘Lil Gronk’

No. 3 Ohio State has cruised through its first two games without much struggle despite being limited a bit by some injured wide receivers. Of course, the Buckeyes haven’t lacked for weapons even with some star targets out and the absences have created opportunities for players like veteran tight end Cade Stover.

In fact, Buckeyes quarterback CJ Stroud made an eye-catching comparison for the senior tight end.

“We just know with Cade he’s such a big body,” Stroud said. “He’s like a little Gronk, so he definitely has that type of game where if we give him the ball he’s going to make something happen.”

A 6-foot-4, 255-pound tight end from Mansfield, Ohio, Stover hasn’t really been a huge factor in the passing game for the Buckeyes over the past few years. Not enough to merit a comparison to Rob Gronkowski, at least based on production, just yet.

And with those injured receivers about to return to the fold, it’s probably unrealistic to expect some huge uptick for Cade Stover going forward. That said, Stroud says he’s getting more comfortable utilizing the tight end position within the offense.