Will Howard on Ohio State overcoming adversity: 'It makes it that much sweeter'
Will Howard had a remarkable showing in Ohio State’s 34-23 win over Notre Dame on Monday night.
Howard set a record for completion percentage in a National Championship game as he went 17-for-21 for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns. His final attempt of the night was arguably his most important — a 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith on 3rd down to set up a game-clinching field goal in the final minute of the 4th quarter.
After the final buzzer sounded, Howard spoke about the adversity his team faced this season — and how it helped the Buckeyes reach their ultimate goal.
“It made us come together,” Howard said. “It really challenged us, man. We were in a rough spot. And I just gotta give all the credit to the guys in that locker room for coming together and not letting that separate us, but make us become closer. And I really don’t think we’d be here if it weren’t for some of the adversity we faced this year. And it makes it that much sweeter.”
Howard didn’t specifically mention Ohio State’s stunning loss to Michigan from back in November, but that certainly was a piece of adversity the Buckeyes faced this season. It was their 4th consecutive loss to the Wolverines and their most surprising one yet. Ohio State was favored by 3 touchdowns in that contest.
This was Ohio State’s first National Championship victory since 2014.