Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has fully adapted to his new environment since his transfer State of Kansas last offseason.
Howard has the Buckeyes rolling toward a College Football Playoff berth and Big Ten title with three games remaining, including a date with the Indiana Hoosiers in Columbus a week from Saturday.
Speaking with the media Before Ohio State’s game against Northwestern last Saturday in Chicago, Howard pulled back the curtain on how his game has improved playing in the Big 12 versus the Big Ten. Howard’s only loss this season came last month against now No. 1 Oregon, 32-31. Both teams could end up in the Big Ten title game by finishing the month undefeated.
“I think a lot of it has to do with coaching and the way I was taught here,” Howard said. Something coach (Brian) Kelly has emphasized to me since I’ve been here, man, is just completions. And how many completions are there on the field where it’s just easy (to throw the ball). Just take them. I feel like a lot of times in my career at Kansas State I was trying to force things into the windows, or it wasn’t really necessary (throwing). Just check downs all over the field and get the ball to (TreVeyon Henderson) or Gee (Scott Jr.) or ‘Q’ in the flat and let them run six to 12 yards.”
Howard acknowledged that he was still part of the Heisman Trophy conversation alongside Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Nevertheless, he wants to make sure his team is in the best position to win.
“I try not to think about that,” Howard said. “I’m not worried about it. As long as we’re winning football games and the Buckeyes are scoring points, I’m happy. I actually think all those things take care of themselves, and if you focus too much on individual accolades, things get cloudy.”
Kansas State hosts Arizona State on Saturday as it tries to stay in contention for the College Football Playoff.
Zain Bando is a contributor to Kansas State Wildcats On SI. He can be reached at [email protected] and on Instagram/’X’ @zainbando99.
Follow our coverage and updates Facebook
X: @KStateOnSI