Will Howard has been largely fantastic for Ohio State in his lone season with the Buckeyes. However, the team came up short twice in the regular season, and one particular game still eats at the quarterback.

That would be the regular-season matchup with Oregon in Eugene when Ohio State came up one point short in a road loss to the Ducks. Dillon Gabriel and Howard were both fantastic, but it was Gabriel leading a drive for a go-ahead field goal in the final minutes.

Howard would get a chance to put Ohio State in position for a game-winning kick, and he nearly pulled it off. However, a penalty and game-ending scramble thwarted a chance for the Buckeyes to win the game.

After steamrolling Tennessee Saturday night, Howard and the Buckeyes earned their shot at a rematch with the Ducks. And the veteran QB did not hide how he feels about a 2nd shot at the Big Ten champs.

“I’m excited, it’s going to be a heck of an opportunity for all of us. I think we’ve all been looking forward to this one and for another crack at these guys,” admitted Howard. “The way that last one ended doesn’t sit right with me and still doesn’t. It still bugs me.”

Overall, Howard is mainly thankful for a 2nd opportunity this season, something that doesn’t come around very often in life:

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity you know that we get another crack at them. In life, you don’t get a lot of second chances,” Howard said. “The fact we’re getting a 2nd chance here is a blessing from the Lord, and we’re going to go out there and have some fun and let it rip.”

Even with regular-season losses to Oregon and Michigan, Howard has a chance to write his name in the Ohio State history books if he can pull off the revenge game vs. the Ducks and complete a trek to a national title. That path continues on New Year’s Day with ESPN’s broadcast set for 5 pm ET/2 pm PT.