Freshman Tracker: C.J. Stroud Strikes With His Feet and Josh Fryar Makes His Debut

For the third consecutive game, Ohio State jumped out to an early lead against an inferior opponent. Unlike against Indiana and Rutgers, the freshmen were called upon in the second half against Michigan State.

Of the 25 scholarship newcomers, 11 crossed the sideline and played on the Spartan Stadium gridiron in Ohio State's 52-12 blowout victory.  

Stat Book Stuffers

Miyan Williams saw his second action of the season as his number was called at the 11:58 mark of the fourth quarter. Unlike the Rutgers game, Williams was in the backfield with Fields and the rest of Ohio State's starters. Unfortunately, his play of the game resulted in Fields getting sacked and the series ending with a punt two plays later.  

With C.J. Stroud in at quarterback (more on him later), Williams found his stride. The round mound of pound carried the ball four times over the next five snaps and gained 28 yards. The most impressive coming on his last carry, an 11-yard bruising, buster of a run. The Cincinnati kid finished the day with 5 carries for 33 yards.

Only up from here

— Miyan Bowling Ball Williams (@Miyann28) December 5, 2020

Julian Fleming grabbed two passes from Justin Fields for eight yards. His first touch came on the first play of the second quarter. Fleming took a short pass on a jet sweep but was unable to break free around the corner. The promising play only netted two yards.

Late in the third quarter, Fields found Fleming on a wide receiver screen. The Southern Columbia (Pennsylvania) grad had Luke Farrell and Jeremy Ruckert in front to block, but a Spartan defender was able to slip through and stop Fleming for a 6-yard gain. The wideout finished the game with 20 offensive snaps.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba had another quiet game. For the first time in his Ohio State career, JSN did not record a catch. However, he was a fixture on special teams and took over the return duties for Garrett Wilson late in the second half. Smith-Njigba had one return for two yards and led all freshmen with 28 offensive snaps.

After sitting out against Indiana, Cody Simon saw action in his fourth game of the season. He took advantage of his nine defensive snaps and time on special teams. The New Jersey native tallied two tackles and is up to three for the year. 

Luke Wypler replaced Harry Miller at center for nine of Ohio State's final ten offensive snaps. If you are wondering, it was Wypler, not Miller, who air-mailed the snap over the quarterback's head for the safety. 

Sound the siren, offensive lineman Josh Fryar made his Buckeye debut. The Beech Grove (Indiana) took his place on the left side of the line for the first time with 1:41 remaining in the game. Fryar played the final three snaps. 

On the defensive side, Ryan Watts and Lathan Ransom saw time in the secondary and Ty Hamilton lined up at defensive tackle. The trio combined for 12 snaps, but none recorded a tackle.

Stroud Breaking Out From The Crowd    

The quarterback Larry Johnson called on to replace Justin Fields in the final quarter was Stroud. It appeared the prep star from Rancho Cucamonga (CA) was simply going to feed the ball to Williams. After four straight gives to Williams, Stroud called his own number. The 6-foot-3 field general raced down the Spartans' sideline and 48 yards later recorded his first collegiate touchdown.

Stroud's career stats with Ohio State show 1 carry for 48 yards and a touchdown. Not a bad beginning for the young Buckeye.

tFR QB CJ Stroud with a TD run. #Devy pic.twitter.com/2YP4qHNFVz

— Greg Brandt (@devywarehouse) December 5, 2020

Jack Miller III took over following Stroud's score. After handing the ball off to Steele Chambers, Miller had his second play of the day fly over his head. The result was a 21-yard loss and a safety. His final snap of the game was the kneel down to run out the clock. Here's to better fortune for Miller the next time he gets behind center.

Special Teams Fodder

Ransom only had one snap on defense but the Arizona native helped the Buckeyes on the punt block, kickoff coverage and kickoff return teams. On the kickoff following the safety, you will see Cade Stover make the initial hit on the Michigan State return man. As the MSU player is falling to the ground, Ransom finishes him off and the ball pops out. The official stats credit Stover with the forced fumble, but it was Ransom who made the last contact.

With that said, if the play was reviewed, it would likely have been ruled that the ground caused the fumble.

Fleming was on the punt team and Simon helped on punt block and kickoff return.

Hopefully we see a season-high for freshmen playing next week as Ohio State hangs 100 on That Team Up North.

The NCAA gave all players a free year of eligibility this season so Ohio State does not have to worry about preserving redshirts for its freshmen this year. It will be interesting to see if Ryan Day plays more of the youngsters as this COVID-19 riddled season comes to a close.