Oregon is still giving Ohio State's Will Howard nightmares about one play specifically ahead of the Rose Bowl
The last time the Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes met, Ohio State had a chance to get into range to kick a game-winning field goal attempt. Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard scrambled up the field and failed to get down before the clock expired. Apparently, that play still haunts him. "I still have nightmares about […]
The last time the Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes met, Ohio State had a chance to get into range to kick a game-winning field goal attempt. Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard scrambled up the field and failed to get down before the clock expired. Apparently, that play still haunts him.
"I still have nightmares about that play. I'm thankful that we even get a chance to go out there and play these guys again. The way we lost that game, it still hurts," Howard said when speaking with the media.
It was a choice that didn't work, and prohibited the Buckeyes from having a chance to win the game.
Howard will play a huge role in the Rose Bowl rematch between Ohio State and Oregon. There were questions about their quarterback play before the season started, but with each passing week, Howard has answered the call. The Kansas State transfer has shown an ability to throw a beautiful deep ball to his three talented wide receivers.
Prior to this year, Howard has never had a season with over a 61.3% completion percentage with a high of 2,643 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. This year at Ohio State, Howard has a robust 73.2% completion percentage, 3,171 yards, and 29 passing touchdowns. Surrounded by elite talent, he's taken a big step forward.
Pressuring Howard and limiting his ability to get the ball to wide receivers Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate will be one of the biggest keys to success for Oregon in the Rose Bowl as they attempt to beat the Buckeyes twice in one season.
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It could make the difference.
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on Bluesky @jonhelmkamp.bsky.social, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSports.bsky.social for all the latest news.
