Unlike in previous years, there is no clear-cut favorite for the Heisman Trophy award at this point in the season. This has allowed Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud to take advantage of such a golden opportunity.

The likes of Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler and North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell were deemed among the early Heisman contenders at the beginning of the season, but their sluggish play in this campaign opened the door for other players to make a case for the award. And among them has been Stroud, who currently ranks in the top 10 in all the FBS in passing touchdowns (18) and passer rating (191.2).

Amid the growing hype that Stroud has garnered as of late to be a possible top contender for this year's Heisman Trophy, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day simply wants the Buckeyes quarterback to have a game-by-game mentality.

Day spoke further about Stroud during a recent press conference ahead of the Buckeyes' Big Ten road contest against Indiana.

“When someone gives criticism or praise, you have to treat it the same way,” Day said. “You have to stay focused and stay poised. You can’t ride that roller-coaster. Early on, there was plenty of criticism to go around. Now there is praise coming. That’s what we talk about—staying focused and being disciplined enough.

“It’s one week at a time. If you don’t believe that, go out and lose one and now you are right back where you started.”

Day has been impressed with Stroud's performances so far this season, and more so, he is much pleased with his growing leadership on offense.

“I think he has done certain things well,” Day said. “I think he communicates well with those guys. His relationships with the players on offense are strong. The better he plays, the more energy he has. He is still a young player. He still has a ways to go. But I am encouraged with what I see in terms of leadership.”

Stroud will have a chance to bolster his Heisman resume in Ohio State's upcoming conference bout with Indiana, as the contest will be a nationally televised night game on ABC.