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Ohio State

Ryan Day identifies the biggest reason for Will Howard's performance in CFP opener vs. Tennessee

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs12/23/24grant_grubbs_
Will Howard by © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ohio State QB Will Howard (© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Will Howard had one of his best games of the season in Ohio State‘s 42-17 blowout win over Tennessee in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. After the victory, OSU head coach Ryan Day revealed the small difference that led to Howard’s extraordinary performance.

“I thought his footwork was good,” Day said. “We worked hard on some of those throws, and he hit a few of those right on the money. The fade ball and go ball were really well done. The levels ball, too, and Carnell was really a well thrown ball. Probably missing a few others. But he was accurate today.

“A big thing for Will is his footwork. When his footwork’s on point, and when he’s seeing things well, he’s as good as anybody in the country.”

In the win, Howard completed 24-of-his-29 pass attempts for 311 yards and two touchdowns compared to just one interception. Additionally, he recorded five carries for 37 yards. Ohio State’s 32-31 loss to Oregon earlier this season was the only time Howard recorded more passing yards (326).

Howard’s standout showing against Tennessee was a stark contrast from his performance in Ohio State’s 13-10 loss to Michigan in its regular-season finale. In the upset loss, Howard only completed 19-of-his-33 pass attempts for 175 yards and a touchdown while throwing two interceptions.

Now, Howard has seemingly rediscovered his rhythm at the perfect time. He certainly doesn’t lack motivation. Ahead of Ohio State’s opening-round showdown against Tennessee, the veteran OSU quarterback opened up on his hunger to win it all.

“I’ve been playing college football for five years now, and this is all I have left. Like, I have, you know, four games max left in my college career. So, I mean, there’s no other option than to just empty the tank, and leave it all out here, because this is all we have left, as college athletes,” Howard said.

“Ohio State or not, like, this is it. And, I mean — I’m just excited to finish it the right way, because we have such a good group of guys, man. We have such an unbelievable team that we have here. It’s a special group… We can’t go out any other way than winning it at all. Like, that’s the way that I see it, man. I just — I want this for this team, so bad.”