Title: Howard Steers Ohio State to National Championship Victory, Capping Off Unforgettable Career
In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, Will Howard sat on the dais, recounting the trials he'd faced during his career, including a stinging defeat to Michigan in late November. A team that had bested Ohio State for four seasons running, leaving many to wonder how the Buckeyes would fare in the College Football Playoff. His lips remained sealed, though, unable to utter the word "Michigan."
Yet, the following night brought new life. Under Howard's guiding hand, Ohio State triumphed over Notre Dame in the CFP championship game in Atlanta, claiming their first national title in a decade. Howard completed 17 out of 21 passes for 231 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, and even showcased his running abilities with a season-high 16 carries for 57 yards. His performance earned him the title of offensive player of the game, validating coach Ryan Day's decision to sign him out of the transfer portal last January.
Day praised Howard's intelligence, maturity, and ability to stay on top of his game, even with a heavy workload. The Ohio State offensive coordinator observed that Howard could handle multiple plays at the line of scrimmage, making critical decisions under pressure.
Howard's transfer to Ohio State had been met with skepticism, having been inconsistent during his four years at Kansas State. However, Day's conviction in Howard's abilities paid off. His passing prowess and agility left quite an impression on the Buckeyes' head coach.
At Kansas State, Howard grappled with his spot on the roster. As a freshman, he'd lost the starting position despite a strong end to the season. Following that, he served as a backup to Skylar Thompson, preparing to assume his supporting role again in 2022. Nevertheless, a twist of fate presented itself - an injury to Nebraska's Adrian Martinez. Howard seized the opportunity to claim his starting position and led Kansas State to a competent season, but ultimately, the Wildcats wanted Avery Johnson to take the helm.
Gratified by the invitation, Howard joined Ohio State and embraced the unrelenting spotlight. With an army of critics awaiting his missteps, Howard remained unfazed and unbroken. His unwavering attitude throughout the season touched the hearts of his teammates.
However, Howard faced his share of hardships. After throwing two interceptions against Michigan, he owned up to his mistakes and expressed regret in his post-game press conference. He was also held accountable for a game-turning blunder against Oregon, which continued to haunt him until they faced off in the CFP quarterfinals.
A champion at heart, Howard came out swinging in the rematch, hurling three touchdowns as Ohio State made light work of Oregon. In their march to the CFP semifinals, Howard steered the Buckeyes with precision, completing 7 out of 9 passes and netting 18 yards on a critical fourth-down and two-yard situation.
As Day and his staff plotted their strategy for the National Championship game against Notre Dame, they knew they'd rely on Howard's dual talents as a passer and runner against a formidable defense. The game plan bore fruit, with Howard putting Ohio State ahead early and keeping them in control throughout the match.
In an interview with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt post-game, Howard expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to wear an Ohio State jersey. Two months earlier, a defeat to Michigan seemed insurmountable, but now, it was a distant memory, tinged with the sweet taste of victory.
After his successful performance in the CFP championship game, Will Howard's business manager began negotiating lucrative sponsorship deals with sports brands, recognizing the athlete's potential earning power in the sports money market.
Additionally, the victory over Notre Dame in the title game significantly increased Howard's market value in the sports world, opening up opportunities for endorsements and potential wealth in the business realm.
