Ohio State football: Did C.J. Stroud take shot at players who opted out of Rose Bowl?

C.J. Stroud may not have been all that happy to see some of his Ohio State football teammates opt out of the Rose Bowl vs. Utah on New Year’s Day.

While the Ohio State football team proved victorious over Utah in an absolutely thrilling Rose Bowl, Heisman Trophy finalist C.J. Stroud may have taken a shot at some of his Buckeyes teammates for opting out of the game.

Odds are, he was merely discussing those who were playing in the game, rather than taking a shot at his teammates who skipped. Nonetheless, the timing was a bit odd.

Despite being down four elite players, including wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, Stroud had a phenomenal game carving up the Utah defense. Stroud completed 37-of-46 passes for 573 yards, six touchdowns and a pick. Even with true freshman Marvin Harrison Jr. stepping up big time and Jaxson Smith-Njigba being otherworldly, Stroud seemed a bit miffed after the game.

“…This is the Rose Bowl, man,” said Stroud. “This is where the legendary games are being played. If you aren’t motivated to play, I question your love of the game.”

Ohio State football QB C.J. Stroud may have thrown his teammates under the bus

Stroud may only be a redshirt freshman, but he could potentially be in the same situation as some of his former teammates were entering this past bowl season. If he has another outstanding year in the Big Ten, Stroud will be a top-10 pick in potentially a deep 2023 NFL Draft class. Though the Rose Bowl may be The Granddaddy of Them All, the times they are a-changing in college football.

Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter how Stroud’s comments land with the Rose Bowl opt-outs. This is all about building positive momentum into next season. Ohio State will once again be favored to win the Big Ten and make the College Football Playoff. After missing out on both of them this past year in their massive rivalry game vs. Michigan, you better believe he is motivated.

Ohio State will only be a national title contender in 2022 if its putrid defense gets better stat.

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