Will Howard named most important college football player in the country

Nov 25, 2023; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Will Howard (18) celebrates a touchdown in the third quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

The Ohio State football team is expected to be among the best teams in college football. Like most seasons, the Buckeyes are set to start as a top-ten team in the country, being ranked No. 2 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

However, there’s one clear goal in mind, and that’s winning the College Football Playoff. With the 12-team expansion, the playoff should garner even more attention this coming season.

The Buckeyes will often be in the national spotlight, and the expected starter, Will Howard, will have quite a bit put on his shoulders. ESPN’s Bill Connelly broke down the most important players in college football, and Howard came in at No. 1.

“Will Howard ranked 23rd in Total QBR last season. He obviously wasn’t throwing to Ohio State’s receivers, but K-State’s skill corps wasn’t exactly chopped liver, and he finished the season with a lower completion rate (61% vs. McCord’s 66%), fewer yards per completion (12.1 vs. 13.8), a higher interception rate (2.8% vs. 1.7%) and a lower success rate (47% vs. 49%),” Connelly said. “He’s better in the run game, and he could end up forming a devastating connection with Emeka Egbuka and company. But there’s no guarantee that he ends up better than McCord, and if he doesn’t, Ohio State might not reach the promised land. Even with a pretty easy job, he is the most important player in the country in 2024.”

Connelly began his section on Howard noting how impossible it is to play quarterback at Ohio State. One bad throw against Michigan or Oregon this upcoming season could define Howard’s legacy despite what he does the other 10 games.

Howard…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/howard-named-most-important-college-174110448.html

Author : Buckeyes Wire

Publish date : 2024-08-07 17:41:10

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