Ohio State’s quarterback, Kyle McCord, stands out among his predecessors because he’s human. While previous Buckeyes quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud, Justin Fields, and Dwayne Haskins possessed robotic precision or freak athleticism, McCord brings a different dynamic to the team. The question now is how “human” McCord is allowed to be and whether this will define the Buckeyes’ season and his own legacy.
In the past, Ohio State’s success has largely relied on elite passers who have stacked up wins for the program. But McCord currently ranks 26th in expected points per play (EPA), a measure of a player’s contribution over a season. While this ranking is not necessarily bad, it’s important to note that all previous College Football Playoff champions led by quarterbacks with lower EPA rankings had elite supporting casts and took care of the ball.
McCord’s supporting cast includes two projected first-round receivers, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, and running back TreVeyon Henderson, who looks like a Day 2 pick. Additionally, Ohio State’s defense ranks third in the country. However, McCord’s turnover tendencies are a concern, as good ball security is crucial for success.
Despite the turnover risks, past college quarterbacks with similar rankings as McCord, such as Jacob Coker, Jalen Hurts, and Stetson Bennett, have all won national championships. McCord’s EPA ranking is even higher than theirs, suggesting that he has the potential for success. While he may not have the same running ability as Fields or the same ability to read defenses as Stroud, McCord can still become a Buckeye legend if he can mitigate the risk of turnovers.
The journey for McCord will not be easy, especially considering the red flag of Ohio State’s offensive line ranking 58th in pass-block grade. However, history has shown that a lower-ranked offensive line does not necessarily prevent a team from winning a national championship.
In the end, it will come down to whether McCord can overcome the human element and lead Ohio State to victory. His potential is evident, but he must find a balance between taking risks and protecting the ball. Only time will tell if McCord can carve out his own legacy and add to Ohio State’s storied football tradition.
FAQ
1. Who are some of the previous successful quarterbacks at Ohio State?
Some of the previous successful quarterbacks at Ohio State include C.J. Stroud, Justin Fields, J.T. Barrett, and Dwayne Haskins.
2. How does Kyle McCord compare to previous quarterbacks?
Kyle McCord brings a different dynamic to the Ohio State quarterback position. While he may not possess the same robotic precision or freak athleticism as his predecessors, his potential for success is evident, particularly in terms of his EPA ranking.
3. What are the concerns about Kyle McCord’s performance?
The main concern about Kyle McCord’s performance is his tendency to turn over the ball. Good ball security is crucial for a quarterback’s success, and it will be important for McCord to mitigate this risk in order to lead Ohio State to victory.