Heisman Race 2021: List of Finalists for Coveted Trophy Announced
Dec 6, 2021
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 04: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts during the fourth quarter of the SEC Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs the at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Alabama star Bryce Young headlines the list of four finalists for the Heisman Trophy.
Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson, Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud round out the group, with the winner to be announced Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
There's often one clear front-runner for the Heisman through his own performance, his team's performance or a combination of the two. The 2015 season was the last time the first and second-place finishers were separated by fewer than 100 first-place votes.
This year, there isn't a player who immediately stands out as the obvious choice for college football's top individual honor.
When the voting results are revealed, Young may nonetheless prove to be the Heisman winner by some distance.
The sophomore signal-caller has thrown for 4,322 yards, 43 touchdowns and four interceptions. Even though he completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes for the game (25-of-51), he probably had the Heisman sewn up when he hit Ja'Corey Brooks for a game-tying touchdown in the final minute of the Iron Bowl.
But one could argue Young isn't even the best player on his own team.
Will Anderson Jr. has been not of this world. The Crimson Tide linebacker has compiled 92 total tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. His production stacks up favorably with any of the most dominant defenders from the last decade.
Despite his best efforts, Anderson couldn't even earn a trip to New York City alongside Young.
One pass-rusher did make the cut. Hutchinson is poised to have the best finish for a Michigan player since Charles Woodson lifted the Heisman in 1997.
The Wolverines defensive end had 15 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 13 appearances. He delivered in his team's biggest game with his three sacks critical toward Michigan's 42-27 win over Ohio State.
That loss sank the Buckeyes' College Football Playoff hopes, and it almost certainly derailed C.J. Stroud's Heisman campaign.
Stroud had big numbers (34-of-49, 394 yards, two touchdowns) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but his impact felt more muted because of how much Michigan's front seven bullied OSU's offensive line.
Stroud has a slight statistical edge on Young:
C.J. Stroud: 351.1 yards per game, 9.8 yards per attempt 70.9 percent completion rate, 182.2 passer rating
Bryce Young: 332.5 yards per game, 9.3 yards per attempt, 68.0 percent completion rate, 175.4 pass rating
But Alabama winning the Iron Bowl and Ohio State losing to Michigan was the biggest delineator between the two for Heisman voters.
Although Pickett is a major long shot, finishing high enough on the ballot to be a finalist is a massive accomplishment for the Pittsburgh quarterback.
The New Jersey native made the most of his final college season, throwing for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns en route to the Panthers claiming their first ACC title—and their first conference title of any kind since 2010.
Report: OSU's Quinn Ewers, Former 5-Star QB Recruit, Entering Transfer Portal
Dec 4, 2021
COLUMBUS, OH - AUGUST 18: Ohio State Buckeyes #3 Quinn Ewers during fall camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio on August 18, 2021. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Ohio State quarterback Quinn Ewers, who 247Sports ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the high school class of 2021, will enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Per Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports, Ewers has informed OSU of his intentions.
The former Southlake Carroll (Texas) High School star is considering a return home for his next college stop, with Texas, Texas Tech and Texas A&M among the options, per Thamel.
Ewers reclassified from the class of 2022 to 2021 and arrived at OSU in August with training camp well underway. He only took two snaps for the Buckeyes as redshirt freshman C.J. Stroud took the offense's reins and starred with 38 touchdowns and 3,862 passing yards.
The 6'2", 200-pound Ewers shouldn't have a shortage of suitors. Ewers was highly touted coming out of college, with 247Sports' Gabe Brooks comparing him to ex-NFL quarterback Philip Rivers and offering this scouting report.
Good height with a plus frame. Pro-style QB with athleticism and mobility that qualify for a dual-threat label. Elite improvisational QB who can extend plays and remain accurate on the move. Throws with a smooth, easy delivery and varies arm angles as needed. Impressive velocity and spin rate really show on routes over the middle and down the seams. Field-stretching vertical arm strength to consistently hit big plays over the top. Also shows encouraging touch on timing patterns and downfield routes that require it.
Good runner by design or scramble. Understands how to protect himself as a runner and minimize shots. Shows encouraging pocket presence and awareness. Senses pressure and knows how to react to it. Also willing to stand and deliver under duress and will take a big shot if it means hanging in there to make the necessary throw. Occasionally will take risks, but that also is part of what makes him so good. Release quickness is good in general but could still quicken a bit at times. Elite QB prospect at the top of the 2022 cycle, at his position and across the board. Future impact high-major starter with long-term potential to be taken high in the NFL Draft.
Ewers had 29 offers, per 247Sports, including ones from Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and USC. In the end, Ewers chose Ohio State, although he appears to be one-and-done there.
Ewers wouldn't be the first college quarterback to transfer and find great success elsewhere if he does end up blossoming at his next location. Other examples in recent memory include Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield, who both transferred to Oklahoma and became No. 1 picks in the NFL draft.
A potential pro career is still a ways off for Ewers, but the talented signal-caller should have plenty of options to choose his next destination as he searches for a new home.
Ohio State's C.J. Stroud Wins Big Ten Offensive Player, Freshman of the Year Awards
Dec 1, 2021
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud scrambles during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
With big shoes to fill as Justin Fields' replacement, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud made history Wednesday.
Stroud became the first Big Ten player ever to win the conference's Offensive Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Quarterback of the Year awards in the same season:
Stroud originally committed to Ohio State in December 2019. He was a highly regarded prospect in the 2020 recruiting class. 247Sports composite rankings had him as a 4-star prospect and the No. 42 overall player with offers from Georgia, Michigan and Baylor, among others.
Fields set an incredibly high bar for the Buckeyes at quarterback. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2019 after throwing for 3,273 yards, running for 484 yards and accounting for 51 total touchdowns.
In the six-game 2020 season, Fields completed 70.2 percent of his pass attempts for 2,100 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Buckeyes made the College Football Playoff in both years with him starting under center.
Stroud had no problems living up to the standard set by his predecessor. The California native started 11 games, ranking fifth in the nation in passing touchdowns (38), sixth in completion percentage (70.9) and seventh in passing yards (3,862).
Ohio State's offense leads the nation in scoring with 45.5 points per game. It didn't score fewer than 26 points in any of its 12 games during the regular season.
The Buckeyes did miss out on the Big Ten Championship Game thanks to Saturday's 42-27 loss to Michigan and have dropped to No. 7 in the latest playoff rankings, but they have already won at least 10 games for the 15th time in the past 17 seasons (only eight games played total in 2020 amid COVID-19 pandemic).
Michigan OC Josh Gattis on Win over Ohio State: 'They're Not a Tough Team'
Nov 30, 2021
FILE - In this Saturday, April 13, 2019 file photo, Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis during the team's annual spring NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Gattis is perhaps the most intriguing new offensive coordinator in the country as Jim Harbaugh seems to be ceding control in favor of a more modern approach. It’s not as if the Wolverines weren’t running spread elements and run-pass options last season with quarterback Shea Patterson. But bringing in Gattis suggests a more immersive approach.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
When you fell your biggest rival, you're entitled to dance on their grave a bit.
That's exactly what Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis did after the Wolverines' 42-27 victory over Ohio State last Saturday.
Gattis said on the Inside Michigan Football radio show (via the Detroit News' Angelique Chengelis) the Buckeyes are "a finess team" and "not a tough team." He added that the plan was to overwhelm OSU with physicality:
UM OC Josh Gattis (Broyles finalist) on the opening drive and game against Ohio State. Told host @JonJansen77 “They’re a good team. They’re a finesse team, they’re not a tough team. We knew … that can out-physical them …out-tough them” Full quote below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/8qz6TWtysp
Michigan dominated at the point of attack on both sides against Ohio State. The Wolverines ran for 297 yards and averaged 7.2 carries while limiting the Buckeyes to 64 yards on the ground. TreVeyon Henderson's 4.4 yards per carry were tied for his lowest of the season.
Gattis alluded to how he and his fellow Michigan staffers followed the blueprint Oregon used to upset Ohio State in Columbus. The Ducks rolled up 505 yards on the Bucks, with CJ Verdell carrying the ball 20 times for 161 yards and two touchdowns.
The performance was bad enough that head coach Ryan Day moved play-calling duties away from defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs.
Fans have become accustomed to seeing a wealth of NFL talent come through Ohio State's defense. Chase Young, Nick and Joey Bosa, Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker and Jeff Okudah are among the first-round picks from the Buckeyes.
Day doesn't have that kind of elite depth this year. Edge-rusher Zach Harrison (No. 78) and defensive lineman Haskell Garrett (No. 136) are the only OSU defenders to crack Bleacher Report's most recent big board.
Coombs' demotion also underlined the need to refresh the coaching staff a bit. Allowing 621 yards and 52 points to Alabama in last year's College Football Playoff National Championship served as a bit of a warning sign for what was to come.
Ohio State was there for the taking against an opponent that could avoid costly turnovers and control the game on the ground. Oregon did that in September, and Michigan followed suit.
Ryan Day Discusses Ohio State's Loss to Michigan: 'I Feel Awful. ... It's a Failure'
Nov 27, 2021
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on during warm-ups prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day expressed disappointment after the No. 2 Buckeyes fell 42-27 to the No. 5 Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday.
Day told reporters, "I feel awful. ... It's a failure." He also added he would have to "take a real hard look" at why Michigan had so much success running the ball against the Buckeyes.
Michigan ended an eight-game losing streak against Ohio State with the win and also clinched a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, while the Buckeyes fell to 10-2 on the season and likely saw their College Football Playoff chances evaporate.
Michigan dominated Ohio State from a physicality perspective, as the Wolverines rushed for 297 yards and averaged 7.2 yards per carry.
Running back Hassan Haskins led the way with 169 yards on 28 carries to go along with five rushing touchdowns. Michigan also got a sixth rushing score out of wide receiver A.J. Henning on an end-around.
Ohio State quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Stroud played relatively well with 394 yards and two touchdowns in the air, but it didn't matter because of OSU's inability to get the Michigan offense off the field for long stretches.
There was a great deal of pressure on the Wolverines to prevail Saturday since they were previously 0-5 against Ohio State during Jim Harbaugh's time as Michigan's head coach.
Saturday also presented a golden opportunity to both teams, as a win meant playing for the Big Ten title and a spot in the CFP.
Ohio State has been part of the CFP in four of the seven times it has been held, which is the most of any Big Ten team by far. The only other Big Ten team to reach the playoff was Michigan State in 2015.
Now, Michigan can become the third if it beats either Wisconsin or Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game next Saturday.
Meanwhile, OSU will be left out of the CFP for the first time since 2018 barring a shocking turn of events.
Hassan Haskins, No. 5 Michigan Upset No. 2 Ohio State; 1st Win in Rivalry Since 2011
Nov 27, 2021
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: Hassan Haskins #25 of the Michigan Wolverines carries the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first quarter at Michigan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
The No. 5 Michigan Wolverines clinched a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday by upsetting the rival No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes 42-27 in the 116th edition of The Game at Michigan Stadium in snowy Ann Arbor, Michigan.
With the victory, the Wolverines ended the Buckeyes' win streak in The Game at eight, and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh won his first game against Ohio State in six tries.
Michigan leaned heavily on its running game in adverse weather conditions and finished with 297 rushing yards, while running back Hassan Haskins scored five touchdowns on the ground.
The Michigan defense also played well against Ohio State quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Stroud, who was under siege throughout the day and sacked three times by Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
Michigan improved to 11-1 with the win and is a Big Ten Championship Game victory away from clinching a spot in the College Football Playoff, while Ohio State fell to 10-2 and likely saw its CFP hopes go up in smoke.
Notable Stats
Cade McNamara, QB, MICH: 13-of-19 for 159 YDS, 0 TD, 1 INT
C.J. Stroud, QB, OSU: 34-of-49 for 394 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT
Hassan Haskins, RB, MICH: 28 CAR for 169 YDS, 5 TD
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, OSU: 17 CAR for 74 YDS, 1 TD; 5 REC for 54 YDS, 1 TD
Blake Corum, RB, MICH: 6 CAR for 87 YDS
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, OSU: 11 REC for 127 YDS
Garrett Wilson, WR, OSU: 10 REC for 119 YDS, 1 TD
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, MICH: 3 SACKS
Haskins, Michigan Running Game Grind Down OSU Defense
Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara made some nice throws Saturday and largely avoided big mistakes aside from one red-zone interception, but the Wolverines offense was all about the running game against Ohio State.
Multiple players made explosive plays for Michigan on the ground, but Haskins was the meat-and-potatoes guy who scored five touchdowns on the ground.
With snow falling, Michigan marched the ball right down the field on the first drive of the game and punctuated it with a 14-yard touchdown run by wide receiver A.J. Henning on an end-around:
Michigan led 7-3 after the first quarter, and as pointed out by WTKA's Sam Webb, Harbaugh had to be happy with the Wolverines possessing the ball and keeping Ohio State's explosive offense off the field:
1st Q Time of possession - #Michigan 9:05, OSU 5:55. That's EXACTLY how you draw it up. Defense with your offense. #ComplimentaryFootball
Ohio State took a 10-7 lead on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Garrett Wilson in the second quarter despite Michigan's advantage in time of possession, but Harbaugh didn't stray from the game plan.
Michigan went right back to work and answered with a one-yard touchdown plunge by Haskins, putting the Wolverines back on top 14-10:
As noted by ESPN Stats & Info, Haskins entered elite company on that touchdown run in terms of single-season touchdown production by Michigan running backs:
Hassan Haskins has 14 Rush TD this season, including one today against Ohio State.
Ohio State could have seized some momentum back before halftime with a late field goal, but it did little to deter the Michigan rushing attack.
After forcing an OSU three-and-out, Michigan orchestrated a three-play, 81-yard touchdown drive that included a 55-yard dash by Blake Corum and a 13-yard touchdown run by Haskins:
That extended the Michigan lead to 21-13, and the Wolverines poured it on even more later in the third quarter when Haskins scored from one yard out, marking his third touchdown of the day:
Another opportunity for Michigan to wilt occurred after that, as Ohio State made it a one-score game early in the fourth quarter.
The Buckeyes still had no answer for Michigan's running game, though, which allowed the Wolverines to march 66 yards on nine plays and restore the 15-point lead with Haskins' fourth rushing touchdown of the day:
Another Ohio State touchdown made it an eight-point game again, but Haskins made it a five-pack of touchdowns and essentially iced the game for Michigan:
Winning against Ohio State is always massively important for Michigan, but Saturday's victory was even bigger for many reasons.
Not only did it clinch a Big Ten Championship Game berth and get Harbaugh in the win column, but the Wolverines won it by beating the Buckeyes with pure physicality.
Hutchinson Slows Down Stroud, High-Powered OSU Offense
Stroud ended Saturday's game with solid numbers and may have kept his Heisman Trophy hopes alive, but it was clear he was uncomfortable at certain points throughout the game because of the pursuit of Hutchinson.
Saturday's edition of The Game had a decidedly different feel than recent versions from the very start, as Michigan scored a touchdown on the first drive and then quickly forced an Ohio State three-and-out.
ESPN's Matt Miller made note of how energized the Wolverines defense seemed to be out of the gates:
Michigan’s defense is FIRED up. Two weird misses from Stroud on the first drive.
Michigan took the lead back, however, and the Buckeyes were facing a one-point deficit at halftime.
There was undoubtedly some concern among Wolverines fans with such a tenuous lead, as Michigan has had a history of blowing halftime leads against the Buckeyes over the past decade:
Michigan leads Ohio State 14-13 at the half.
The Wolverines have held a halftime lead over the Buckeyes twice since 2004 (2012, 2016), losing both games.
This is also the 1st time Ohio State trails at halftime since that Oregon game. pic.twitter.com/iVOTYKS2bM
With his third sack of the game, Hutchinson set an all-time Michigan single-season record with 13 sacks.
Stroud enjoyed his best game of the season last week in a 56-7 demolition of Michigan State, but Stewart Mandel of The Athletic pointed out that the protection from his offensive line was like night and day between the MSU and Michigan games:
Stroud did manage to move the ball in the fourth quarter and got the Buckeyes within one score on a couple of occasions, but with the OSU defense unable to stop Michigan's running game, it wasn't enough.
Now, with Michigan running wild offensively and Hutchinson being the most dominant defensive player in college football, a national title may not be out of reach.
What's Next?
Michigan moves on to face either Iowa or Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game next Saturday, while Ohio State will wait and see which bowl game it is placed in.
Video: Ohio State, Michigan Players Have Heated Exchange in Tunnel at Halftime
Nov 27, 2021
Michigan running back Hassan Haskins (25) leaps over Ohio State defenders for a touchdown in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
After a tightly contested first half between the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 5 Michigan Wolverines, players from both teams got into a shouting match in the tunnel.
With Michigan leading 14-13 after two quarters, both teams were clearly heated near the locker rooms at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan:
Players could be seen yelling and gesturing at each other, which necessitated referees, as well as coaches and other personnel from the teams to get in between the groups and diffuse the situation.
Tensions were running high Saturday due to the enormity of the game, which has a Big Ten Championship Game berth hanging in the balance.
Both Ohio State and Michigan were 10-1 when the day began, and both teams knew going in that they were in a win-or-go-home scenario both in terms of playing for the Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth.
Also, Michigan has enjoyed very little success against its primary rival in recent years, losing eight games in a row to the Buckeyes before Saturday.
Many of those losses came with Jim Harbaugh at the helm, as the Michigan head coach was 0-5 against OSU entering Saturday's contest.
After the confrontation in the tunnel, Michigan came out of halftime with more juice.
The Wolverines forced a three-and-out on the first drive of the second half, and they scored a touchdown on a three-play, 81-yard drive to extend the lead to 21-13.
Ohio State Fires on All Cylinders to Put CFP on Notice in Michigan State Rout
Nov 20, 2021
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 20: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to make a first half pass while playing the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Ohio State needed to make a big statement to crush any doubts it was worthy of a College Football Playoff spot. Well, the Buckeyes did that and then some against No. 7 Michigan State on Saturday, winning 56-7 at home.
No. 4 OSU entered the day as a 19.5-point favorite, and although the number seemed a bit high, the Bucks not only covered that, but they also defeated Sparty by 49 points. It wasn't just a statement, it was an absolute drubbing with an exclamation point that gives the Buckeyes all the momentum they need nearing the end of the season.
As highly anticipated as this Big Ten East matchup was, this game felt pretty much over in the first quarter.
OSU took a 21-0 lead after a 43-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud to Chris Olave with 2:31 left in the opening frame. And the Buckeyes didn't let up from there—they took a 42-0 lead with 7:01 left in the first half. They added another touchdown late in the second quarter to go to the locker room with a 49-0 cushion.
This version of Ohio State stood in stark contrast to the team we saw earlier in the year. That iteration was surrounded by plenty of questions regarding just how good it could be, and for good reason. The Bucks had just 11 total starters returning on both sides of the ball, including five on offense. Notable departures included big names such as quarterback Justin Fields and running back Trey Sermon.
Stepping in at the No. 1 QB spot was the redshirt freshman Stroud. Although he was a 4-star prospect in high school, getting the starting job at OSU is a different ballgame.
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 20: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Ohio State Buckeyes tries to get around the tackle of Darius Snow #23 of the Michigan State Spartans after a first half catch at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gre
He threw an interception in each of his first three starts, including one in the final minutes of OSU's 35-28 loss to Oregon on Sept. 11, the program's first home defeat since 2017. Although the Buckeyes kept winning after the Oregon loss, they didn't look all that dominating as the season went on.
Most notably, the Buckeyes had close wins against Penn State on Oct. 30 and a below-.500 Nebraska on Nov. 6 in Lincoln. Stroud threw a career-high two interceptions against the Cornhuskers in an unconvincing 26-17 win.
But in the last couple of weeks, Ohio State garnered a pair of statement wins. Last Saturday, the Buckeyes played a Purdue team that was coming off an upset victory over then-No. 3 Michigan State. Ohio State routed the Boilermakers 59-31 and had a 28-point lead at halftime.
Against Michigan State, Ohio State put up 655 total yards, most of those coming in the air. Stroud had 432 passing yards and a career-high six touchdowns. Receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson had two touchdown receptions apiece in the first half alone.
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 20: Miyan Williams #28 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during a first half run against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Still, Buckeyes' playoff berth isn't solidified just yet.
Ahead for Ohio State is the regular-season finale against the No. 6 Michigan Wolverines. Next Saturday, OSU will go on the road to face Jim Harbaugh and a 9-1 Michigan that also has legitimate playoff chances—its lone loss coming to Michigan State on the road on Oct. 30.
As my colleague Adam Kramer pointed out last week, Michigan appears to be avoiding the failures of a typical Harbaugh-guided Wolverines team. Coming from behind twice to win a close game on the road against Penn State last week may hint that this Wolverines team just might be different. At the very least, it shows it has earned the right to be in the playoff conversation.
But as we look ahead to Ohio State-Michigan, there is one glaring fact regarding The Game: the streak. Michigan hasn't beaten Ohio State since 2011, long before Harbaugh arrived in Ann Arbor in 2015.
Not to mention the fact that OSU has won the last three games in this rivalry by an average of 21 points—a combined 52 in the last two meetings.
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 20: Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson #5 celebrates a touchdown during the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021. (Photo by Jason
But this Michigan team does feel different. Wolverine quarterback Cade McNamara is leading one of the most productive Wolverine offenses Harbaugh has had in his seven seasons in Ann Arbor. They were also eighth in the nation in total defense heading into Saturday and giving up just 16.1 points per game, which was ranked fourth. Win this one, and it's on to the Big Ten title game Dec. 4 for OSU.
One thing's for certain after the last two weeks: The Buckeyes continue to trend way up as they make a crystal clear case to the playoff committee.
CJ Stroud Makes Heisman Race Statement as No. 4 Ohio State Routs No. 7 Michigan State
Nov 20, 2021
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 20: Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave #2 celebrates a touchdown during the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes have the best wide receivers in college football this season, and maybe the best quarterback, too. Just ask Michigan State.
C.J. Stroud and the receiving trio of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba smoked the No. 7 Spartans (9-2) on Saturday, leading the way in Ohio State's 56-7 blowout home win, a result that has huge implications in the Big Ten title race.
Ohio State's three-headed monster at wideout combined for 24 catches, 371 yards and five scores. Borderline comical production. And by the time the first half mercifully ended, with the Buckeyes up 49-0, Stroud had already thrown for 393 yards and six touchdowns.
6TDs 400yds 2 incompletions in the first half Lolol 😂
There are blowouts, and then there are blowouts. This was certainly the latter.
The win moved the Buckeyes to 10-1 and 8-0 in the Big Ten. They are a victory away from winning the Big Ten East and earning a berth in the Big Ten title game, though Michigan (9-1, 6-1) looms next week. Michigan State's conference title hopes and College Football Playoff aspirations have vanished, however.
Key Stats
C.J. Stroud, OSU: 32-of-35 for 432 yards and six touchdowns
Chris Olave, OSU: Seven catches for 140 yards and two scores
Garrett Wilson, OSU: Seven catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns
Payton Thorne, MSU: 14-of-36 for 158 yards and a score
Kenneth Walker III, MSU: Six carries for 25 yards; one catch for four yards
Keon Coleman, MSU: Three catches for 27 yards and a touchdown
C.J. Stroud Has to Be the Heisman Favorite After Saturday's Performance
Stroud didn't even need to have a statement game against Michigan State. He said all he needed to say in the first half.
There's no doubt he'll be the unquestioned leader in the clubhouse for this year's Heisman Trophy after Saturday's performance. Unless he lays an absolute egg next week against Michigan, the hardware should be his.
One of Stroud's primary competitors for the Heisman coming into the matchup was Walker. But after being a non-factor against the Ohio State defense, Walker likely will fade from contention. This appears to be a race between Stroud and Alabama's Bryce Young now.
MSU's Pass Defense Cost Them Everything This Season
Coming into Saturday, Michigan State was giving up 329 passing yards per game, the worst mark in the nation. Against Ohio State's incredibly deadly passing game, those deficiencies were more than exposed.
For most of the season, Michigan State has weathered the storm. But in losses to Purdue (536 passing yards allowed) and Ohio State (449 passing yards allowed), the Spartans couldn't find shelter.
It didn't help that Michigan State's offense failed to do anything against Ohio State and never established Walker and the run game. A bit of ball control certainly would have helped.
But this game was lost by Michigan State's complete inability to defend the pass. When these players and coaches reflect upon this season in the future, they'll lament that particular Achilles' heel.
What's Next?
The big one. Ohio State travels to Michigan next Saturday at noon ET, with absolutely everything on the line for both teams. Michigan State will look to stay in the running for a solid bowl game when it hosts Penn State next Saturday (time TBD).
No. 4 Ohio State Beats No. 19 Purdue 59-31 Behind Garrett Wilson's 4 Total TDs
Nov 14, 2021
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud looks for a a receiver during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Penn State on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State did not fall victim to the Purdue curse thanks to an easy 59-31victory on Saturday at the Horseshoe.
After previously knocking Iowa and Michigan State from the ranks of the unbeaten, the Boilermakers faced their biggest test of the season this week.
Ohio State came into this matchup with a blemish on its resume, but head coach Ryan Day's squad had been averaging 47.3 points in seven games since losing to Oregon on Sept. 11.
It's been three years since these two Big Ten programs last met. Purdue stunned the Buckeyes, who were undefeated, 49-20 in that game to keep them out of the College Football Playoff.
There was no doubt about the outcome of this game. Ohio State was up by 14 at the end of the first quarter and scored 45 points in the first half.
Neither offense had any trouble moving the ball in this game. Both teams combined for 1,105total yards. Quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Aidan O'Connell each threw for more than 350 yards.
Garrett Wilson, who entered the game with six touchdowns all season, found the end zone four times. He finished with a season-high 126 yards on 10 receptions.
Coming into this week, Matt Fortuna of The Athletic conducted a straw poll featuring writers from the website to vote for the Heisman. Not surprisingly, Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III was the runaway winner with 69 first-place votes and 88 total points.
Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis was second with 15 first-place votes and 36 points. A quick scan of the entire list shows that Stroud didn't receive any support.
For a quarterback of one of the best teams in the nation who entered this week completing 67 percent of his attempts for 2,675 yards and 25 touchdowns not to be at least in the conversation seemed odd.
To be fair, Stroud was coming off his worst game against Nebraska with two interceptions. The talking point coming out of that was why he wasn't running the ball:
CJ Stroud needs to run more. I don’t know if he’s being coached to look for somebody to come open, but he turns down A LOT of free yards.
Important thing to remember re: CJ Stroud. He is not Justin Fields. Justin Fields was a one of a kind legitimate dual threat (with a green light to run). CJ may get there but he’s not right now. Patience is key.
Stroud did acknowledge recently that he suffered a separated AC joint in his right shoulder during the season opener against Minnesota. It's plausible he may not want to take any additional hits to protect the injury.
After Saturday's dominant performance, Stroud deserves to be talked about in the same breath as Walker, Davis and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. The freshman sensation has thrown for at least 300 yards in five of the past six games. He has thrown at least four touchdowns four times during that span.
Stroud could be dinged in a similar way that Mac Jones was last season.
Jones had a brilliant 2020 for Alabama, but he played on arguably the best roster Nick Saban has ever assembled. DeVonta Smith was certainly a deserving Heisman winner with 1,856 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns catching passes from Jones.
Stroud absolutely benefits from playing on a team that has TreVeyon Henderson at running back and the trio of wide receivers Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Chris Olave.
It's telling about how deep the Buckeyes are that Olave is the third-leading receiver in a game but still manages 85 yards on nine receptions.
There are plenty of accolades to go around on this offense. Ohio State's dominant performance this week should quiet any concerns after a close call against Nebraska.
It's a good thing the Buckeyes appear to have hit their stride because things don't get any easier. They have to play Michigan State and Michigan to wrap up the regular season.
O'Connell Shines, but Boilermakers Defense Falters
Saturday's game, while not a complete embarrassment for the program, was certainly a step back. O'Connell's performance is one of the positives to take away. The senior followed up his 536-yard showing against the Spartans with 390yards and four touchdowns.
O'Connell's last three games have seen him make a dramatic turn. The Illinois native has thrown nine touchdowns with zero interceptions and is completing 75.5percent of his passes.
For comparison, in his first six games, O'Connell threw one more interception (eight) than touchdowns (seven).
As good as he was, though, the Boilermakers defense wasn't able to do anything against Ohio State. The Buckeyes scored touchdowns on seven of their first eight possessions. The one non-touchdown drive ended with a field goal.
Purdue’s defense just looks completely unprepared for everything Ohio State is doing today.
Ohio State's only non-scoring drive was a three-and-out midway through the third quarter. Purdue got back in the game on its ensuing offensive possession thanks to an 87-yard drive capped off by a touchdown pass to Jackson Anthrop that made the score 52-31.
Already boasting wins over then-No. 2 Iowa and then-No. 5 Michigan State, the Boilermakers are certainly in the midst of their best season under head coach Jeff Brohm.
They have already won as many games in 2021 as they did in the previous two years combined (six).
The victory over Michigan State last week was enough to get the College Football Playoff selection committee to put Purdue at No. 19 in this week's rankings.
Even with Saturday's slip-up against a team that is just better across the board, though, the Boilermakers have had a successful year no matter what happens the rest of the way. They are already bowl eligible for the first time since 2018, with two games left on the schedule.
What's Next?
Ohio State plays Michigan State at the Horseshoe in a game that could determine the Big Ten East champion next Saturday. Purdue will take on Northwestern at Wrigley Field in Chicago the same day.
