Kyle McCord says QB1 title has helped preparation process

Ohio State QB Kyle McCord is still trying to find his footing as the leader of the Buckeye offense. That effort has only been helped, though, by the official designation of him as the starting quarterback.

McCord spoke about the impact of that nod following Ohio State’s 63-10 win over Western Kentucky last weekend. He said that he felt like his preparation for the Hilltoppers was much better considering he could focus on his work rather than a competition that was still ongoing.

“I think it does help when you have the understanding of kind of how the game is gonna go, that you’re going to be getting all the reps, you’re going with the ones, and you really don’t have to try to think about what’s gonna happen if you don’t put together a drive or anything like that,” said McCord. “This week, I kind of used that confidence boost a little bit. Just trusted my rules, trusted my reads, trusted my eyes and I think good things happen.”

Whether it was Ryan Day’s trust or his extra reps at the top of the depth chart, McCord added that his confidence has shot through the roof.

“I think that’s definitely a little bit of a confidence boost. Like I said, when he gives you the official nod that you’re the guy? Whether it was subconscious or not, I really didn’t think of it that way. I felt just a little more confident I would say,” McCord said. “That could be him naming me the starter. Or I think that could be just more reps and experience and plays that I get under my belt. Whatever it is, I felt like I took a step in the right direction.”

McCord posted his best outing as a Buckeye against WKU last Saturday. In the 53-point win, he went 19-of-23 (82.6%) for 318 yards and three touchdowns.

Through three games, he has completed 69.7% of his passes for 271.7 yards per game. That efficiency has led to six touchdowns with only one interception.

Now, as they head to South Bend this weekend, McCord’s first true test is coming fast. That’s why he has done his best to be fully locked in as he leads Ohio State into a Top-10 matchup against Notre Dame tomorrow night.

“I just have to continue to be on my Ps and Qs during the week, continue to prepare, and, obviously, we have a big one on Saturday so continuing to get better for that,” said McCord.