Scarlet Sunrise: C.J. Stroud improved NFL Draft stock in Peach Bowl

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C.J. Stroud improved NFL Draft stock in Peach Bowl

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud piled up 378 total yards of offense in the Peach Bowl, turning in a valiant effort during the Buckeyes’ College Football Playoff semifinal defeat to top-ranked Georgia.

Stroud, who was projected to land in the top half of the first round of this year’s NFL Draft even before the postseason, refuted two major criticisms about his game, increasing his stock in the process.

The 6-foot-3 signal caller willingly tucked the ball and gained 71 yards on the ground — he finished with a net of 34 rushing yards, but that’s only because he was sacked four times. Not only that, but Stroud also showed he’s capable of being more than just an efficient pocket passer. The Inland Empire, California, native dialed up two of his best throws of the season in the first half: both were out of structure, and both went for touchdown passes to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote about how Stroud was the “big draft winner Saturday.”

Here’s what one NFL executive told Breer, via Sports Illustrated:

“He really helped himself. And that he was doing it without star players was huge. It’s all the stuff he was busted on—that he was good, but it was more about the star receivers or the line. He was without his top two receivers, top two backs, best tight end, that all counts for something. And I don’t know if it was a conscious effort he made, but that he willingly pulled the ball down and ran is something everyone will notice.”

Notably, with under a minute left and the Buckeyes trailing 42-41, Stroud led Ohio State all the way to the Georgia 32-yard line, giving place kicker Noah Ruggles a chance to win the game from 50 yards out. Ruggles, who had missed just three field goals in two years with the program, couldn’t convert. But the fact that Stroud orchestrated that drive — highlighted by a 27-yard run — without Harrison or tight end Cade Stover turned heads.

READ: C.J. Stroud delivered iconic moments, solidified Buckeyes legacy, even in defeat

Tim May Podcast: What went right, wrong for Buckeyes in Peach Bowl loss to Georgia

The Tim May Podcast is back to break down Ohio State’s Peach Bowl defeat. The 40-year vet is joined by former Buckeyes linebacker and national champion Matt Wilhelm, who starred for the program during its 2002 title run.

Ohio State had a 14-point lead going into the final quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. What happened? How did the Buckeyes follow up their best defensive quarter of the season with another implosion on that side of the ball in the final frame?

Tim and Matt explore what went right and what went wrong for Ohio State on the biggest stage. Then they look ahead to what’s next for the Buckeyes as they kick off what will be a pivotal offseason.

Portal Pursuits: JK Johnson departs, Ja’Had Carter commits

Tuesday night was hectic for Ohio State, as far as the transfer portal was concerned.

Second-year Buckeyes cornerback J.K. Johnson entered his name into the portal after starting five games at outside corner in 2022.

Johnson was the No. 69 player in the 2021 class, according to On3. That ranking put him as the No. 6 cornerback in his class and the No. 1 player in the state of Missouri. The DeSmet (St. Louis) product was the No. 6 corner in the cycle and the No. 1 player in the state of Missouri.

He ended up playing 406 defensive snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Johnson was part of an injury-riddled Ohio State secondary in 2022.

READ: Buckeyes cornerback JK Johnson enters transfer portal

Not long after Johnson entered the portal, former Syracuse safety Ja’Had Carter committed to the Buckeyes. Carter has a nose for the ball. He logged three interceptions this season, in addition to notching a 90-yard scoop-and-score at Clemson, where he also had one of his picks.

Carter registered a 70.7 PFF coverage grade this season, as he allowed 22 receptions on 33 targets for an average of 7.7 yards per grab. He also mounted 35 total tackles for the second year in a row.

READ: Former Syracuse safety Ja’Had Carter commits to Ohio State

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 241 days

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 325 days

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