The Ohio State Buckeyes lost to the Oregon Ducks by just one-point on Saturday in a game that ending in a strange fashion.
Quarterback Will Howard slid following a solid run with seconds left, likely believing he had time left on the clock. However, Howard failed to realize that he was in a Hail Mary situation where the Buckeyes required a something spectacular to win the game. Ohio State did have a timeout remaining, and would have been at roughly the 28-yard line had any time been left.
Since the puzzling decision occurred, the response from Ohio State Buckeyes fans on social media has only continued to grow. Responses ranged from comparisons of struggling NFL quarterbacks to sympathy for the quarterback who helped the team greatly through the game previously.
Will “Levis” Howard
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 13, 2024
Howard had arguably his best all-around performance of the season against the Ducks up until his mistake in the final seconds. The quarterback recorded 326 yards passing and two touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 80%. Howard also added a rushing touchdown and 13 yards rushing for the Buckeyes.
However, following the final play, fans have compared Howard to NFL quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Will Levis. Both quarterbacks have been questioned for their football IQ and often make interesting decisions on the field. Levis in particular has been a favorite for Ohio State Buckeyes fans to mention in their comments on social media.
That man pulled a dak Prescott
— SoFargone09 (@rangersboi2k9) October 13, 2024
Awful clock management
— Ghillie💨🔫 (@Ghillie_eth) October 13, 2024
Will “Dak” Howard pic.twitter.com/vOB9fG7vKx
— PredictionStrike (@PredictStrike) October 13, 2024
Other Ohio State Buckeyes fans showed sympathy towards Howard, who as previously stated had his best game of the season. However, much of his performance will likely be forgotten due to the magnitude of the game-ending slide.
Kid played his heart out and had a great game with just one mistake. Had a chance to win on the road against the #3 team in the country. Feel bad for him he is hating life today
— Golden Eagle Capper (@GECAPPER) October 13, 2024
It’s a conservative choice. Not everybody loves it, but sometimes you gotta take what the defense is giving you.
— Matt Conner (@StealConner) October 13, 2024
Can the Ohio State Buckeyes Quarterback Will Howard Overcome His Game-Ending Mistake?
Despite a mistake that arguably resulted in the loss, Howard has done plenty for the Ohio State Buckeyes team and will continue to do so.
Howard was responsible for three touchdowns against Oregon and did not throw an interception against a tough defense. Currently, the quarterback is responsible for 19 total touchdowns for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and holds a quarterback rating of 87.7 through six games. For reference, that is the sixth-overall quarterback rating in college football currently.
Howard has the potential to put up excellent numbers for the Ohio State Buckeyes through the remainder of the season as well.
Ohio State faces Nebraska next on the 26th of October, and before that time the Cornhuskers must play #19 Indiana away from home. The Ohio State Buckeyes will be rested, and have the chance to bounce back against a solid opposing team at home.
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