2 weeks Ago
Ohio State legend and former Heisman winner Troy Smith admitted he made a mistake by calling for Will Howard's benching during his turbulent first half against Penn State on Saturday. Howard had a tough start against the Nittany Lions, committing two critical turnovers that shifted momentum. He threw a pick-six on the Buckeyes' opening drive, setting them back early, and later fumbled at the goal line, resulting in a touchback and a missed scoring opportunity.
Smith took to social media, hoping that true freshman Julian Sayin would be inserted in place of Howard. “(Julian Sayin) ..
. hope to see him 2nd half,” Smith wrote , later deleting the message. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Howard didn't have an outstanding game, finishing with 182 yards and two touchdowns, both coming in the first half.
But the Ohio State quarterback came in clutch in the second half with key runs that allowed the Buckeyes to seal the 20-13 win. Howard's performance helped change Smith's mind. "I owe Will Howard an apology," Smith wrote on X after the game.
For what it's worth, Howard admitted after the game that his play wasn't up to the standard he holds himself to. “It wasn’t pretty,” Howard said. “I probably played my worst game of the year.
” Howard and Ohio State will look to keep their momentum rolling against Purdue next week. Related: Ohio State Legend Calls for Ryan Day to Bench Will Howard.
