Will Howard is going to play the biggest game of his career Saturday.
While one could make a reasonable argument that taking on the then-No. 3 Oregon Ducks was the biggest challenge, the Buckeyes could be facing elimination from the 12-team College Football Playoffs if they lose this second game and aren’t able to play for the Big Ten Championship.
Much of how the Buckeyes perform will rest on Howard’s shoulders, and he has a little more motivation than usual to live up to the hype. Howard was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2020 and committed to Kansas State. His hometown though to no surprise was in Pennsylvania.
More specifically, he went to Downingtown West in Downingtown, PA. Howard wanted to go to Penn State, and he is clearly keeping the receipts.
OSU QB Will Howard on playing Penn State, the team he grew up rooting for:
“They didn’t think I was good enough. I guess we’ll see next week if I was.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/7FcbANa45u
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 28, 2024
Howard has thrown for 1,795 passing yards through seven games and has 17 touchdowns. His ability to run is what has separated him from the Buckeyes quarterback last season, Kyle McCord.
However, as McCord didn’t, Howard must show up when the lights are brightest. That’s how he is going to be remembered in Columbus. Saturday against the No. 3 Penn State will be another massive test for the dual-threat quarterback.
