Historic Performance: Ohio State’s Will Howard Breaks College Football Playoff Record
In an electrifying display of quarterback prowess, Ohio State’s Will Howard has shattered the College Football Playoff record for most passing yards in a single postseason. With a stellar first-half performance against Notre Dame, Howard eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, setting a new benchmark for title game quarterbacks.
Howard’s record-breaking achievement was the culmination of a remarkable string of performances in the College Football Playoff. The senior quarterback connected on his first 13 passes against Notre Dame, a championship game record, as the Buckeyes took a commanding 21-7 lead into halftime. The 6-yard completion to wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in the second quarter sealed the record, paving the way for a 9-yard touchdown run from running back Quinshon Judkins.
This impressive feat surpasses the previous record held by LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, who threw for 956 yards in just two games during the 2019 postseason. Burrow’s remarkable performance, which included a 463-yard outing against Oklahoma, had stood as the gold standard for playoff quarterback performances.
The expanded College Football Playoff format, which features twice as many postseason games for some teams, has undoubtedly contributed to Howard’s record-breaking achievement. Ohio State’s fourth postseason game provided the perfect opportunity for Howard to etch his name into the record books.
What’s even more remarkable is Howard’s transformation from a solid regular-season performer to a playoff powerhouse. During the regular season, Howard averaged a respectable 238.3 passing yards per game. However, his postseason performances have catapulted him to an average of 306.3 yards per game, with three monster games in the College Football Playoff.
The emergence of freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has undoubtedly played a significant role in Howard’s success. Smith’s impressive postseason stats, including 290 yards and four touchdowns in his first two matchups, have provided Howard with a reliable target and sparked a potent offensive combination.
As Howard stands just 30 minutes away from leading the Buckeyes to their first title since 2014, his record-breaking performance serves as a testament to his growth, determination, and clutch gene. With this historic achievement, Howard has cemented his place among the all-time greats in College Football Playoff history.
