Jeremiah Smith can’t quite go to the NFL yet, but his QB Will Howard will, and the Ohio State freshman wide receiver has already labeled him a first-round pick. With the way Howard played this season and especially in the national championship, it’s hard to argue against that claim. After all, he showcased his incredible talent when it mattered most.
Will Howard’s Stellar Performance
Howard finished the thrilling 34-23 victory over Notre Dame with an impressive stat line: 17-of-21 passing for 231 yards and two touchdowns, along with 16 carries for 57 rushing yards. This season, he amassed a staggering 4,010 passing yards, threw for 35 touchdowns, and only had 10 interceptions, boasting a remarkable 73.1% completion percentage. Additionally, he contributed 226 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.
What makes Howard’s performance even more remarkable is the pivotal moment in the fourth quarter when he made a game-defining throw. On a crucial third down, he connected with Smith for a 56-yard strike down the right sideline, sealing the victory. Could this be one of the best throws of Howard’s career?
Jeremiah Smith’s Confidence in His QB
“Just showed the type of quarterback he is,” Smith said, reflecting on Howard’s performance. “In my eyes, he’s a first-round draft pick. Will’s a great leader on and off the field as well. He just had a great week of preparation leading us to this victory tonight.” Smith’s confidence in Howard is palpable, and it speaks volumes about their chemistry on the field.
During his own postgame interview, head coach Ryan Day revealed that the plan was for Howard to target Smith the moment they saw one-on-one coverage on the outside. It’s clear that the coaching staff has immense faith in both players, and that trust paid off in a big way.
Looking Ahead to the NFL Draft
As the college football season wraps up, all eyes will be on how the draft boards shake out in the coming spring. With his outstanding performance, Howard is poised to be one of the first 32 picks this year, according to Smith. The buzz surrounding him is growing, and it’s easy to see why.
Howard’s journey from Kansas State to Ohio State has been nothing short of remarkable, and now he stands on the brink of a promising NFL career. The question remains: will he be able to maintain this momentum as he transitions to the professional level?
Game Highlights and Key Moments
In total, Smith caught five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown during the national championship. His touchdown came on Ohio State’s opening drive, tying the game at seven. However, after that explosive start, Notre Dame managed to limit him to just two receptions for 17 yards for the remainder of the game.
“Man, they were running man coverage,” Howard recalled about that pivotal throw to Smith. “I said, ‘Hey, I’m going to go let this thing loose for No. 4 and let him make a play on it.’ That was an unbelievable play, unbelievable play call, man. It took some guts to call that. So, that was a fitting way to end it.”
The chemistry between Howard and Smith was evident throughout the game, and it’s this connection that could propel both players to new heights in their careers.
What’s Next for Will Howard?
Now, as Howard celebrates this monumental victory, he will shift his focus towards the NFL. With a national championship under his belt, he’s set to make waves in the upcoming draft. Will he be the next big name to emerge from college football and make an impact in the NFL?
As fans eagerly await the draft, one thing is certain: Howard’s performance has solidified his status as a top prospect. The excitement surrounding his potential is palpable, and it will be fascinating to see how he translates his college success to the professional level.
In the world of college football, moments like these are what make the sport so thrilling. The passion, the drama, and the sheer talent on display remind us why we love the game. With players like Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith leading the charge, the future of college football looks incredibly bright.
