Skull Session: Justin Fields is Already a Leader, Minnesota Rolls Out Black Alternates, and C.J. Stroud Throws Better Than NFL Quarterbacks

I can't wait for Trevor Lawrence to learn he's the Jags starting quarterback on the first offensive series of the season.

Urban says QB competition remains open. Asked about Trevor: If he wins it, which hasnt happened yet. Good grief.
— Hays Carlyon (@HaysCarlyon) August 20, 2021

Word of the Day: Overwrought.

START HIM, COWARDS. In an ironic twist, after basically telling everybody that they should be okay with him not starting, Justin Fields now has me more convinced that he should already be starting.

How can you not love Justin Fields? I thought this was an incredible answer to a question about the awkwardness of the fans cheering when he entered the game. (via @kfishbain): https://t.co/T9tx5ks4i6 pic.twitter.com/n2YRZvY7C7
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 22, 2021

Also, this:

Pretty sure this Justin Fields throw wouldnt be allowed on OnlyFans in October #Bears pic.twitter.com/jA05hnzzZQ
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) August 21, 2021

But hey, Andy Dalton is a three-time Pro Bowler. People forget that!

GOLDY GOING BLACK. It would seem that Minnesota will be following Iowa and Purdue's lead and rocking alternate black uniforms when they host the Buckeyes for an inter-division showdown.

New threads. Under the lights. See you Sept. 2 #Gophers // #SkiUMah // #RTB pic.twitter.com/cc1Y9b9A2g
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 21, 2021

For what it's worth, Northwestern was the last Big Ten West team to try the whole blackout gimmick back in 2019 and lost 52-3, so there's a solid chance Ryan Day's immune.

STROUD > NFL QUARTERBACKS? It would seem that Ohio State has just replaced a starting NFL quarterback (just maybe not in week 1) with a guy who has the arm talent to start in the NFL right now.

Little note for Ohio State football fans: Talked with a former NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver this week, who has worked out with CJ Stroud.

His quote: "He throws the ball better than a bunch of guys that get paid on Sunday's to do it."

So yeah, Buckeyes aint slowing down this year
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) August 20, 2021

I totally believe this, but also, there is clearly a lot more that goes into being an NFL quarterback than throwing a good ball.

Look at Dwayne Haskins, who has a damn cyborg arm but is now making the league minimum trying to resurrect his career in his third season after getting unceremoniously released from the team that drafted him in the first round.

That said, there are probably three or four potential NFL arms in this quarterbacks room. So if Stroud beat the others out, there's a solid chance he's good at all the other stuff, too.

WALKING MIRACLE. If y'all are needing a little inspiration these days, I think Ryan Shazier's new book will probably get those juices flowing.

Exciting news to share with you all! I have a new book coming this fall #WalkingMiracle. It's the story of how faith, positive thinking, and my passion for football brought me back from paralysis and helped me find purpose. #Shalieve
You can pre-order now: https://t.co/0gt1383YfA
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) August 20, 2021

I'm not usually an inspirational book sort of guy, but if there's anybody I'm going to let inspire me with their printed words, it's the guy who simply decided not to be paralyzed anymore and worked his ass off to walk again.

SONG OF THE DAY. "Morning" by Francis And The Lights