Kirk Herbstreit details the threat Will Howard presents Indiana
No. 2 Ohio State‘s matchup against No. 5 Indiana on Saturday will feature two of the more prolific passing attacks in the Big Ten Conference this season.
The Buckeyes are led by veteran transfer Will Howard, who ESPN College GameDay host Kirk Herbstreit believes may be the key to victory in Columbus on Saturday.
“One thing that gets overlooked is how Will Howard has played all year long,” Herbstreit said on SportsCenter ahead of ESPN College GameDay. “In my opinion, not just with his ability to make decisions and throw the football. But his legs have really helped Ohio State at critical moments.
“I think today that’s something Indiana’s got to be concerned about with Chip Kelly dialing up Will Howard and finding ways to get him involved in the run game today.”
On the season, Howard has completed 171 of his 238 passes for 2,410 yards and 21 touchdowns compared to four interceptions this season.
He’s on track to have the best, and most efficient, season of his career statistically — but that’s not to say he didn’t show his capabilities during the four seasons he played at Kansas State before he transferred to OSU.
After all, he helped lead the Wildcats to a Big 12 Championship over a College Football Playoff-bound TCU team in 2022.
Top 10
- 1
Connor Stalions x Bryce Underwood
Photo ignites social media
- 2
Vince Young calls shot
Horns legend predicts Kentucky game score
- 3
Kiffin trolls Napier
Ole Miss HC texts Kirk Herbstreit to fire shot
- 4
College GameDay picks
Lee Corso dons Indiana helmet
- 5
Curt Cignetti
'They can stick it up their you know what'
“A lot of people weren’t familiar with him because of his days at Kansas State. But I think that experience he gained allowed him to go through this as a different animal,” Herbstreit continued. “When you come to Columbus, you get on Twitter after you lose to Oregon — it’s all your fault. You’re getting death threats. You know, that kind of experience.
“I think he’s been able to kind of put that out of his mind and lock in on what he needs to do. I think he just has a ton of confidence.”
Since the loss to Oregon, Howard has thrown 10 touchdowns compared to two interceptions and has his Buckeyes on a four-game win streak including a top-10 win against Penn State on the road.
Ohio State is hoping for a similar outcome during their matchup in Week 13. Kickoff between Ohio State and Indiana is set for Noon ET live on FOX.