Ohio State QB Will Howard Cleared for Playoff Battle Against Tennessee
Ohio State’s starting quarterback Will Howard has received a crucial injury update ahead of the Buckeyes’ highly anticipated College Football Playoff showdown against Tennessee. After concerns regarding his health following a disappointing loss to Michigan, head coach Ryan Day has confirmed that Howard is in good shape and fully prepared to lead the team into battle.
With the season on the line, the Buckeyes are counting on Howard to bounce back after a challenging performance against their biggest rival. His status was a major talking point after he appeared to be banged up during the Michigan game, raising concerns about whether he would be fully fit for the playoff matchup. However, Day reassured fans and the media that Howard has had a strong few weeks of practice and is eager to prove himself on the national stage.
Howard’s Health Status and Performance Concerns
The Michigan game was a nightmare for Ohio State, as the offense struggled to generate points. Howard had a rough outing, throwing two costly interceptions, and the Buckeyes managed only 10 points, failing to score in the second half. At one point in the game, Howard appeared to be shaken up, but he managed to stay on the field and finish the contest.
Afterward, questions arose about his physical condition and whether his health had contributed to the lackluster performance. However, team doctors cleared Howard, and Day later stated that his quarterback was fine to continue playing. While Howard wasn’t dealing with a serious injury, the three-week break since the Michigan loss has given him much-needed time to recover and reset.
Ohio State’s Offensive Struggles and the Need for a Turnaround
The loss to Michigan was particularly painful for Ohio State, as it ended their hopes of a Big Ten Championship Game appearance. More importantly, it exposed several issues on the offensive side of the ball, particularly in the passing game.
Howard, who transferred from Kansas State, was brought in to stabilize Ohio State’s offense and provide veteran leadership. However, his inconsistency against elite defenses has raised questions about whether he can elevate his play under the bright lights of the Playoff.
Against Michigan, Ohio State’s passing attack was largely ineffective. Howard finished the game with two interceptions, and the team’s inability to sustain drives proved costly. The offensive line also struggled to protect him, making it difficult to establish rhythm. To compete against Tennessee, Howard and the Buckeyes will need to drastically improve their execution.
Despite the disappointing loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes still have a golden opportunity in the College Football Playoff. Their upcoming matchup against Tennessee represents a chance at redemption. A strong performance from Howard could not only erase the memory of the Michigan defeat but also solidify his status as a reliable leader moving forward.
The game will be a massive test for Howard, as Tennessee’s defense has been one of the toughest in the nation. If Ohio State’s offense can get back on track, they have the talent to make a deep postseason run. However, if Howard struggles again, questions will only grow about whether he’s the right quarterback to lead the Buckeyes into the future.
