With the momentum favoring Minnesota coming out of halftime, Ohio State redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud engineered a seven-play, 81-yard scoring drive, which was capped off by a 38-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Chris Olave.
It marked the first career touchdown pass for the former four-star prospect from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., who was named the starter over classmate Jack Miller and true freshman Kyle McCord in fall camp. It also gave the Buckeyes a 17-14 lead after surrendering 14 straight points to the Golden Gophers.
Stroud is now 10-of-18 passing for one touchdown and one interception. The Buckeyes would go on to rally after being down 21-17 to win 45-21 behind Stroud's four touchdown passes on the evening. Ryan Day's squad, ranked No. 4 heading into Thursday's opener, remain unbeaten.
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