CJ Stroud on impact of Michigan loss in motivation for Rose Bowl win

C.J. Stroud had the game of his life in the Rose Bowl. In his return to SoCal, Stroud showed what made him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the nation. In a legendary performance, Stroud passed for 573 yards and six touchdowns in a 48-45 victory.

The Rose Bowl is enough to motivate players to perform at the highest level. However, Stroud revealed that Ohio State’s disappointing loss to Michigan contributed to the Buckeyes wanting to put on a show.

“I think what motivated us wasn’t just this game, but the previous game,” Stroud stated, referring to Ohio State’s 42-27 loss to the Wolverines. “I know that was my motivation — just getting that bad taste out of our team’s mouth, and ending the season the right way. Sending our seniors off the right way. That was probably the most important thing for me.”

While Stroud played well against Michigan, he took the disappointing loss harder than anyone. In the Rose Bowl, he put on a show once again — this time, leaving with a thrilling victory.

Stroud on the Rose Bowl: ‘If you aren’t motivated to play, I question your love of the game.’

Moreover, many wondered if Ohio State would be able to get motivated to play in the Rose Bowl. With some of their top players opting-out of the game, the Buckeyes needed to find unlikely contributors. Still, there was never any questions regarding how bad Stroud wanted to win.

“Then on top of that, this is the Rose Bowl, man. This is where the legendary games are being played. If you aren’t motivated to play, I question your love of the game. Every game I go out there, I try to do my best and make sure I prepare the right way and do the right things because you never know what can happen in the game.

“My job is to lead the team. Lead our offense. I’ve got to watch — I have to do everything I need to do to lead our offense on the field.”

Throughout his first season as the Buckeyes starting quarterback, the star signal-caller has faced a bevy of adversity. Still, he’s come out the other side standing on top of it all.

The season didn’t end with a national championship. Nevertheless, C.J. Stroud did right by his teammates — making Buckeyes faithful proud with the year he put together. A Rose Bowl victory is a nice consolation prize for Ohio State.