Will Howard’s journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. The quarterback, once met with skepticism, has now emerged as the leader of Ryan Day’s Ohio State team, guiding them through a season filled with challenges. Despite his impressive performances, Howard’s exclusion from the Heisman finalist list remains a point of contention. However, his recent victory against Notre Dame has undoubtedly shifted the narrative, especially given the high stakes of the matchup.
Blake Ruffino, on The Ruffino & Joe Show, offered a compelling breakdown of how Notre Dame could exploit Howard’s vulnerabilities. According to Ruffino, the key to limiting Howard’s effectiveness lies in pressuring him consistently. He emphasized that when Howard has ample time in the pocket, he transforms into a dominant force capable of dismantling defenses with precision. Ruffino referenced Texas’s defensive strategy during their game against Ohio State, highlighting how applying pressure in the second half forced Howard into making mistakes, including a crucial interception.
Despite Ohio State’s 28-14 victory over Texas, several factors contributed to Howard’s struggles, such as the Buckeyes’ nine penalties for 75 yards and his near-interceptions throughout the game. Notre Dame, boasting the nation’s best turnover margin with 32 forced turnovers in 15 games, could capitalize on similar mistakes if they replicate Texas’s defensive pressure.
A comparable scenario unfolded against Michigan, where Howard initially completed four consecutive passes but then faltered, missing five of his next six attempts. By the game’s end, his completion rate stood at 57.6%, the lowest of his season. This inconsistency under pressure underscores the importance of disrupting his rhythm.
However, Howard has also demonstrated his potential to dominate under the right conditions. Against Oregon, he threw for over 300 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, showcasing his ability to excel when given time and space. For Notre Dame, maintaining defensive pressure will be crucial to preventing a repeat of such a performance.
Howard is not the sole reason behind Ohio State’s offensive success. The team’s supporting cast has been instrumental in their dominance. Against Michigan, the Buckeyes’ running and receiving units displayed their strength, with notable contributions from players like Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and TreVeyon Henderson.
Smith, an 18-year-old standout, delivered an exceptional performance with two touchdowns and over 180 yards, solidifying his reputation as an NFL-caliber talent. Meanwhile, Egbuka’s early 42-yard touchdown and Henderson’s electrifying 66-yard touchdown run against the Ducks further showcased Ohio State’s offensive firepower.
With such a formidable lineup, Ohio State’s offense poses a significant challenge to any defense. As Notre Dame prepares to face this powerhouse team, their ability to apply consistent pressure on Will Howard and disrupt the Buckeyes’ rhythm will be pivotal. Whether Howard can withstand the Irish defense or falter under pressure remains a key question as the season progresses.