Ohio State quarterback Will Howard had always wanted the opportunity to show what he could do, and on Monday night, that chance came.
Howard built on an impressive first half, finishing the game by completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His performance helped the Buckeyes secure a 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff championship game in Atlanta.
The turning point came with just 2:38 left in the game, when Howard made a 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith. At that moment, reality seemed to set in for Howard, who took a moment to celebrate by throwing his arms up as he ran down the field. Ohio State coach Ryan Day jumped in excitement on the sideline, while Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James celebrated from the box seats.
This kind of moment was always Howard’s dream. A transfer from Kansas State, he had always hoped for a chance to perform on college football’s biggest stage.
“If you were to ask a 19-year-old or 18-year-old Will Howard if he’d be at Ohio State playing in the national championship, I think he’d probably say, ‘You’re crazy, man,’” Howard said earlier this week.
Now, Howard is a champion, and his teammates believe this is just the start for the 23-year-old quarterback.
“Just the type of quarterback he is, in my eyes he’s a first-round draft pick,” Smith said. “Will’s just a great leader — on and off the field.”
Howard made history in the championship game by completing his first 13 passes. By halftime, he had completed 14 of 15 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State scored a touchdown on all three of its first-half drives, leading 21-7 at the break.
Notre Dame fought back but couldn’t find a way to get past Howard and the Buckeyes. After the game, Howard was named Offensive MVP.
“They’ve changed my life in more ways than I can say, man,” Howard told ESPN, talking about the impact of Coach Day and his teammates. “Coach Day and these guys here have completely, completely changed my life. … I can’t believe God gave me the chance to be a Buckeye.”
