QB1 Will Howard (National Champion)

[ShowMeBuck]

This is what a starting QB should look like

You can win it all with the kind of QB if …

IF everything else is solid.

 

[Thump]

FANTASTIC first game!

Honestly did not expect him to look that “in command.”

 

[dragurd]

FANTASTIC first game!

Honestly did not expect him to look that “in command.”

I saw expecting a step back in accuracy. This was not that. He was more accurate then McCord

 

[Thump]

 

[brodybuck21]

Completed 11 of his last 12 passes

 

[MGMT]

There was a play that made me say “oh damn he’s going to do well.”

I can’t remember who the WR was — maybe JJ:

He had a basic drop back, pocket collapsed a bit on the left; he felt it, shifted up and to the right whilst keeping his eyes downfield; he reset quickly, fired, and hit JJ on a hitch for I think 6-8 yards.

Not a huge play, but I absolutely did not see MCord doing anything close to that last season; and feeling that pressure and leveraging your footwork are everything as a developing passer.

Maybe I’m overreacting to it, but that’s the difference between a 3 and out and keeping a drive alive. Fucking loved it

 

[RugbyBuck]

This and also while he didn’t look to run first he showed that he can do it picking up that 3rd and 8.

 

[RB07OSU]

Very impressive showing, collected himself after a rocky start and performed really well in almost every area. Lots of games left to play, but Will is only going to get better each game in our system imo.

 

[scarletngray]

Overall I was pleased with Will's performance. No turnovers. No sacks (he was elusive in the pocket).
He did well when he ran the ball. It added a dimension that has been missing the past 3 years.
He did well throwing the ball. He had a good zip on his throws and threw some darts, namely to Tate and Smith. There were some dropped balls which if caught would have added to hi pass efficiency and put more points on the board. Seemed to be in command of the offense. I would grade him a champion for this game.

 

[DaddyBigBucks]

Will's PE for the game was 164.471

Let's compare that to last year's Maxwell Award winner, the 8th player selected in the draft, Michael Penix Jr.

Penix threw for a lower PE in 9 of his last 11 college games, including games against Washington State and even Oregon State.

This is not a Howard for Heisman post. But it's clear that he is more than a game manager.

 

[OregonBuckeye]

His stature and mobility evokes memories of Krenzel but with a better arm. He threw some impressive balls. The only bad decision I can recall was that reckless lateral that was almost a turnover

 

[scarletngray]

Will's PE for the game was 164.471

Let's compare that to last year's Maxwell Award winner, the 8th player selected in the draft, Michael Penix Jr.

Penix threw for a lower PE in 9 of his last 11 college games, including games against Washington State and even Oregon State.

This is not a Howard for Heisman post. But it's clear that he is more than a game manager.

He will be even more effective when we get our running game going and Chip opens up the playbook.

 

[Bestbuck36]

I knew he was going to do well in this Offense but the accuracy was sick. He was even better if we don't drop passes uncharacteristically. By the time we play Iowas Defense we should be humming!

 

[RugbyBuck]

Here's my take on that lateral, fwiw: You don't even think about doing that if you're not a baller. If you're a game manager or only a pocket passer, that doesn't happen. That's great, for that one which, admittedly was ill-advised, but he didn't seem to do it out of panic and we will see similar types of plays from him this season, I hope.

 

[Buckeneye]

Finally getting an opportunity to watch the entirety of the game. I appreciate some of the overhead and drawn back post-snap views given by the broadcast to help some of us take in the whole field.


Solid start for QB1, you could see some of the nerves early, second half he settled down. Had some throws that were on time and well placed, had some that need polish, because you won't be facing Akron every weekend. The lateral was a head slapper. The shot to Smith, middle of the 3rd qtr, I'm thinking might be about the max distance for his current arm talent and throwing motion. It's serviceable enough. If he could generate more, that's a TD.

That motion to boundary trips, looks like a snag combo(?) ...with the backside slant, it's is about the best example of the throws that need said polish. Sure, It's a TD and I love the chemistry being built between Howard and Smith; but the ball placement really let the weakside backer get involved in the throwing lane WAY more than he had any business being. But that's why you have film, that's why you have good position coaches. To praise you, but to nitpick and show where you can improve using these early games as the environment to do just that.

Overall, once the ball action started rolling, Howard started standing tall and trusting protection, then he started dealing. He did exactly what I'd expect a tOSU starting QB to do and I'm encouraged to see more.