In Ryan Day‘s first season at the helm, he did not have a decision to make. Justin Fields transferred in and immediately took the starting job. Then, prior to the 2021 season, there was a question of who will replace him and CJ Stroud stepped up and only threw it everywhere and was selected second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. This year? There’s a legitimate Ohio State quarterback battle.
For 2023, it’s Kyle McCord vs Devin Brown. Sure, Grad transfer Tristian Gebbia or incoming true freshman Lincoln Klenholz could surprise, but it’s a two-horse race.
Of course, both McCord and Brown have their strengths and weaknesses. Thankfully for both as well as Ohio State, they’ll have a wealth of weapons to play with. Needless to say, no matter who wins this battle, they are more than likely going to put up numbers.
The Case for Kyle McCord to be QB1
Familiarity with the System
Realistically, the biggest reason why McCord may have a leg up in the Ohio State quarterback battle is the fact that he’s been in the system for two years now. Already having an understanding of the ins and outs of Day’s system is crucial.
While Ohio State has had five freshmen starting at quarterback, only one started right away and did not redshirt: Art Schlichter back in 1987. Any other true freshman who started won the job later on, so there’s always that chance Brown overtakes McCord. In any case, it’s imperative to have some time in the system before taking over.
In case anyone forgot, McCord was a five-star recruit out of Pennsylvania in the 2021 class and was the fifth-best quarterback in the class. He was even considered a wild card to take the job FROM Stroud back in 2021 as a true freshman.
Ryan Day has yet to name a starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. That said all signs seem to indicate that Kyle McCord will be the week one starter. Here is a reminder of what he can do as a starting quarterback. pic.twitter.com/O26f3epmtb
— Tyler Johnson (@T_johnson_TJ) July 13, 2023
In-Game Experience
Of the two players in this year’s Ohio State quarterback battle, only McCord has actual playing experience. Brown appeared in a pair of games last year but did not record any stats above a single rushing yard off of a single rushing attempt. McCord, on the other hand, actually has numbers next to his name on the stat sheet.
Overall, there are two ways to look at McCord’s stats: as a starter and as a backup in mop-up duty.
Over the last two seasons, McCord appeared in 11 games to relieve Stroud as the game got out of hand. In those 11 games, McCord threw for 287 yards and a touchdown off of 28/40 (70% completion) passing. Those appearances were less-than noteworthy as each game was already out of hand. The important experience was actually in his first action as an Ohio State quarterback: Week 4 vs Akron.
McCord vs Akron
Stroud was scratched with a lingering injury, so McCord earned his opportunity to shine. And shine he did.
His day started off rough. That first drive after a 12-yard TreVeyon Henderson run went incomplete pass, McCord negative six-yard run and fumble, incomplete pass, punt. After that, McCord led the offense to four straight touchdown drives. After a punt thanks to a pair of sacks on the following drive, McCord had one shot to get the Buckeyes into field goal range. At the half, the Buckeyes were leading 38-7.
Then, frankly, McCord threw a boneheaded interception. He stepped up to avoid the rush which evidently sped up his internal clock, didn’t step into his throw, and sailed a pass over the outstretched hand of Cade Stover. It was an ugly decision but it’s all about how you respond.
How did McCord respond? He put a perfect amount of touch on a throw to Emeka Egbuka over a linebacker and under a safety to let the dynamic freshman take off for an 85-yard gain. That was the final throw of the day for McCord.
In that game, McCord showed that he is at the very least capable of leading an offense. Sure, it was against Akron, but the Zips did not allow more than 301 yards through the air against anyone else while the McCord-led Buckeyes amassed 385. They even held Ohio to 60 and Kent State to 85 yards through the air (don’t look at how many rushing yards they allowed, though).
On the day, McCord accounted for 319 yards and two touchdowns off of 13-18 passing. On those scoring drives, McCord completed 13 of 15.
Built-In Rapport with Marvin Harrison, Jr.
Perhaps a tidbit that could be negligible due to the ridiculous talent that is Marvin Harrison, Jr., these two already have an established history. Given, Harrison, Jr. is talented enough to elevate any Ohio State quarterback.
At St. Joesph’s Prep School in Philadelphia, the McCord-to-Harrison connection was about as lethal as any. In three years as the starter, McCord dissected defenses to the tune of 6,887 yards and 88 touchdowns. Both of those marks are career records for the city. In addition, the team won State Championships in each season.
Harrison, Jr. was just as prolific. He ended up with 2,624 yards and 37 touchdowns, also Philadelphia career records.
The future top-five pick will likely be able to put up numbers no matter who his quarterback is. However, the fact that the two spent three years together already cannot be overstated. McCord already knows Harrison, Jr.’s tendencies. Harrison, Jr. already knows McCord’s tendencies. It’s almost too easy.
The Next in a Long Line of Great Ohio State Quarterbacks?
Even the most staunchly anti-Ohio State college football fan has to appreciate the recent run of quarterback play Ohio State has had.
CJ Stroud? First-rounder.
Justin Fields? First-rounder.
Cardale Jones? Champion
JT Barrett? Leader of men.
Braxton Miller? As dynamic as any.
Joe Bauserman? Okay, nevermind…
Ideally, the entire battle would have been settled by the end of Spring. Unfortunately, it was not to be and this is going to drag on into fall camp.
Day likely wants to have this situated by the time the Buckeyes suit up against Indiana on September 2nd. Even then, Kirk Herbstreit suggested that Ohio State go the same route as Michigan from last year. Give McCord a half and give Brown a half against Indiana. Whoever ends up ahead, give him the opportunity to take control of the job the next week against Youngstown State. Either way, this competition needs settling by that potential top-five matchup against Notre Dame in the fourth week of the season.
McCord has the inside track but only time will tell. Day can coach and develop quarterbacks, so whoever wins will be in good hands.
Photo courtesy: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
