Big Ten Daily (Jan 14): C.J. Stroud Makes NFL Playoff History in Texans' Blowout Win

Former Ohio State star C.J. Stroud led the Houston Texans to a 45-14 win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. He made NFL history in the process, becoming the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game.

C.J. Stroud isn't just the best rookie quarterback in the NFL this season, he's emerged as one of the top players at the position. The former Ohio State standout continued his impressive year on Saturday, leading the Houston Texans to a 45-14 win over the Cleveland Browns in the wild card round of the AFC playoffs.

Stroud completed 16-of-21 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's blowout win. He also made NFL history, becoming the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game

"It's been amazing being in this city for as short as I've been but the love that I've got, I've really just been doing it for Houston," Stroud said after the game. "I'm blessed enough to be in the position I'm in. Blessed enough to be playing at a high level right now, we gotta keep it going. But I'm super blessed."

STROUD HAS 3 TOUCHDOWN PASSES IN THE FIRST HALF
pic.twitter.com/ArWlaRaodU

— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) January 13, 2024

At 22 years and 102 days old, Stroud passed Michael Vick to become the youngest quarterback to ever win a playoff game. Vick was 22 years and 192 days old when he led the Atlanta Falcons to a victory over the Green Bay Packers in 2002.

Stroud gave a lot of credit to his teammates following the 31-point victory.

"There's no me without my teammates. My o-line, my tight ends, my running backs, my receivers, my defense, we all put it together," Stroud said. "When we play complementary football, we're gonna be hard to beat."

Over the last two weeks, Stroud has delivered in big-time moments. Last Saturday, he led the Texans to a 23-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, securing a spot in the playoffs with the win.

Stroud completed 20-of-26 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns in that game.

Houston has been the biggest surprise of the NFL season. Stroud is a big reason why. Will his hot streak continue in the AFC divisional round next weekend?

Harbaugh To Meet With Chargers

Where there's smoke, there's fire. And when it comes to Jim Harbaugh's reported interest in returning to the NFL, the smoke is billowing out the chimney.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported recently that Harbaugh is expected to meet with the Los Angeles Chargers regarding the head coaching job. The news comes less than a week after Harbaugh led Michigan to a national championship.

"Sources say it's believed the Chargers will speak next week with Harbaugh, who has indicated to associates there's a real possibility he could leave the University of Michigan to become Los Angeles' head coach," Pelissero wrote.

Rumors have circulated about Harbaugh's interest in returning to the NFL since the college football season. The Michigan coach faced multiple suspensions for various reasons, missing a total of six games. 

The NCAA could further punish Harbaugh and Michigan for alleged recruiting violations that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic. Does he really want to deal with that?

Harbaugh has flirted with the NFL in previous seasons. So far, he's decided to stay in Ann Arbor. But this time, there's a different set of circumstances.

After winning three straight Big Ten titles and a national championship, it might be time Harbaugh finally makes the leap back to the NFL.

Zach Edey's Big Day

Zach Edey had a relatively quiet outing in Tuesday's loss against Nebraska. He responded in a big way on Saturday, leading Purdue to a 95-78 victory over Penn State.

Edey scored 30 points and collected 20 rebounds in the victory, the second 30-20 game of his career. He needs just one more to tie Purdue's school record of three, set by Terry Dischinger (1960-62). 

Edey was also the first college basketball player to score 30 points and grab 20 boards in a game this season. 

Zach Edey went OFF today:

◾️ 30 PTS
◾️ 10-12 FG
◾️ 20 REBS
◾️ 3 AST
◾️ 3 BLK pic.twitter.com/DotH6pWsNz

— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) January 13, 2024

Purdue needed a big bounce back game following a tough loss to Nebraska. Now, the Boilermakers prepare for a rivalry bout with Indiana at Assembly Hall on Tuesday.

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