Will Howard has raised the bar in the College Football Playoff era during Monday night’s national championship game against Notre Dame. The Ohio State quarterback kicked off the match by completing his first 13 passes, an impressive feat that set a new record for the most consecutive completions in a CFP championship game since the format began in 2014. No previous quarterback in the past ten CFP title games had managed to throw 13 straight completions, making Howard’s achievement particularly remarkable.
The Buckeyes got off to a stellar start after Notre Dame initially took the lead with a touchdown on their opening drive. By halftime, Ohio State had established a commanding 21-7 advantage. Howard was on point throughout the first half, completing 14 out of 15 passes for a whopping 144 yards, with two touchdowns and no turnovers. His only incomplete pass was due to a spectacular defensive play by Notre Dame’s All-America safety, Xavier Watts.
Following the incompletion, Howard demonstrated his resilience by rushing for an 11-yard gain, allowing the Buckeyes to continue their momentum. He then connected with Quinshon Judkins for a six-yard touchdown, rounding off a perfect first half where Ohio State scored touchdowns on all three of their possessions. The Buckeyes’ first touchdown was initiated by Howard finding standout freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith for an easy eight-yard score. This marked the fourth consecutive playoff game in which Ohio State netted a touchdown on their opening drive.
As the second half commenced, Ohio State did not let up. They marched down the field, taking their first possession of the third quarter 75 yards in just five plays to extend their lead to 28-7. Much of the credit for this impressive drive went to Judkins, who performed spectacularly, including a 70-yard rush that set up his own one-yard touchdown run. Remarkably, this was Judkins’ third touchdown of the night, solidifying both him and Howard as the stars of Ohio State’s potent offense. It was also notable that this was the first instance in either the CFP or BCS era where a team scored touchdowns on their first four possessions in a national championship game.
Despite launching the first attack of the game, Notre Dame found it difficult to respond effectively to Ohio State’s relentless offensive pressure. The Irish had no answers for the Buckeyes’ display of skill and precision, showcasing the powerful football capabilities Ohio State possessed throughout the championship match.
In summary, Will Howard’s record-setting performance and the remarkable offensive displays from his teammates established a new standard, demonstrating exactly what it takes to compete at the highest level in college football. The team’s ability to remain calm and execute their game plan flawlessly under pressure was a clear indicator of their preparedness and skill. Ohio State’s victory was not just a win; it was a statement performance, showing that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.
