The Ohio State Buckeyes have made a significant splash in college football this season, largely thanks to the addition of Will Howard as their starting quarterback. After transferring from Kansas State, Howard has stepped in and immediately made an impact, leading one of the most potent offenses in the nation. With an impressive average of 38.6 points per game, the Buckeyes are not just winning; they’re dominating on the field.
Will Howard’s Transformation
One of the standout features of Howard’s game has been his remarkable improvement in completion percentage. During his tenure at Kansas State, he completed 58.8 percent of his passes. Fast forward to this season, and that number has skyrocketed to an impressive 74 percent. This transformation is not merely a coincidence; it’s a testament to the coaching he’s received at Ohio State.
Howard himself attributes this success to the guidance of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. “I think a lot of it is coaching and the way that I’ve been taught here,” Howard explained. He emphasized the importance of focusing on completions, a philosophy that has clearly paid dividends for both him and the team.
Understanding the Importance of Completions
Why are completions so crucial? As Howard puts it, “Completions are devastating to a defense.” It doesn’t matter if it’s a short pass or a deep strike; getting the ball into the hands of playmakers can wear down opposing defenses. Howard noted, “Those defensive linemen are taught that they got to run to the ball, and you know they’re getting tired. Anytime we can get a completion is a positive for the offense.”
This mindset has allowed Howard to become more efficient in his passing game. He’s learned to take what the defense gives him, often opting for safe checkdowns rather than forcing throws into tight coverage. “There’s checkdowns all over the field, man,” he said, highlighting how getting the ball to players like Trey Henderson or Gee Scott Jr. can lead to manageable yardage and keep the chains moving.
Goals and Achievements
Howard set a personal goal for himself to improve his completion percentage, aiming for an ambitious 80 percent. While he admits that reaching this target is challenging, it has provided him with a clear focus. “Something we emphasized in preseason training camp was, I was shooting for 80 percent completion percentage every single day,” he shared. “And I only achieved it a couple of times, and it’s hard. But I think that helped me so much.”
This commitment to improvement is evident in his performance. Not only has he boosted his completion percentage, but he has also significantly reduced his turnovers. Last season at Kansas State, Howard threw 10 interceptions in 12 games. This year, he has only five interceptions in nine games with the Buckeyes. This kind of efficiency is exactly what Ohio State needs as they aim for a successful season.
Team Performance and Offensive Strategy
As a team, Ohio State ranks 29th in the country for passing offense, averaging 269.9 yards per game. However, their completion percentage of 71.3 percent is third in the nation, showcasing the effectiveness of Howard’s leadership. The Buckeyes have a well-rounded offensive strategy that not only focuses on high-scoring plays but also emphasizes ball control and efficiency.
Howard’s ability to manage the game has been a key factor in the Buckeyes’ success. With a scoring average of 38.6 points per game, they are currently 11th in scoring offense. This balance of explosive plays and methodical drives has made them a formidable opponent on the field.
Looking Ahead: The Next Challenge
With their sights set on the upcoming game against Northwestern, Howard is eager to continue this upward trajectory. He understands that consistency is key and that every game presents a new challenge. “From here, I will look to continue that success in the passing game,” he stated confidently.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how Howard and the Buckeyes build on their impressive start. With a combination of solid coaching, strategic gameplay, and Howard’s newfound efficiency, Ohio State is poised to make a significant impact in college football this year.
In a sport where every completion counts, Will Howard’s journey from Kansas State to Ohio State is a story of growth, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Buckeyes are not just playing football; they are redefining what it means to be a powerhouse in college sports. Will Howard is leading the charge, and the excitement is just beginning.
