Ryan Day addresses how Will Howard has responded since Michigan loss

Ohio State‘s regular season ended in disappointing fashion with a home loss to Michigan, but there is still plenty to play for moving forward. And the Buckeyes will need quarterback Will Howard at his best.

Howard was down in the dumps after a poor showing against the Wolverines. But his coach is happy with how he’s responded so far.

“Similar to the other guys. When you first come off of those types of things there’s a lot of emotion, then as time goes on you’ve got to get refocused because you know that what you’ve done in the past really does not affect what’s going on moving forward,” coach Ryan Day said. “Everything is out in front of us, and I think he’s in the same boat, just like that.”

Will Howard will certainly want to move past the loss to Michigan. He wasn’t at his best then, going 19-of-33 passing for 175 yards, with one touchdown pass and two interceptions.

He wasn’t able to bring Ohio State back down the stretch, leading to a second loss that eliminated the Buckeyes from the Big Ten title picture. It also took a first-round bye in the College Football Playoffs off the table.

That’s certainly not to say all is lost, though.

Ohio State will take on Tennessee in a playoff home game on Dec. 21. Will Howard will have his chance to make amends.

“He knows what needs to get done,” Day said. “We’ve got to have a couple great weeks of preparation and then go put it on the field. And he’s the same way. I know he’s excited to get back on the field this week.”

Howard has had a strong year overall. He’s completed 72.3% of his passes and thrown for 2,860 yards and 27 touchdowns, while only throwing eight interceptions. He’s also run for seven scores.

If Ohio State is going to win and move on in the playoffs, it will need Will Howard to move on from the Michigan game and get back to winning. His head coach certainly thinks he’s capable.