Will Howard Updates: Buckeyes Preparing For Next Biggest Matchup Of Season

COLUMBUS — Ohio State starting quarterback Will Howard met with reporters for his weekly media session on Tuesday. He discussed the huge matchup this weekend against No. 5 Indiana, as well as the preparation that goes into a meeting like this one. The highlights of everything he had to say can be found below.

On Indiana’s front seven: They do a lot of good things. They move around a lot. They show different fronts. They have talent. They know the system. The Mike linebacker is in control of that system. “We’re gonna have to scheme them up and be ready for everything.” Have to be ready to weather the storm. “Just have to go out there and rock them off the ball.”
What’s the No. 1 stat you look at? “The only stat I look at is the wins and losses.” But the pass efficiency stats also mean he’s playing good ball. If he’s doing his job and what he needs to do, the numbers should always look good. But there’s always stuff to improve.
On Caleb Downs: “That dude’s a hell of a football player, man.” The way he comes downhill and hits dudes and fills holes, “I’ve never seen that.” He’s pretty special. “He just knows ball. He loves it. He’s all about it.” When you go against him every day, you know how to play chess against him and it’s fun.
Where did you want to get better when you came here? Consistency. “I’d shown flashes of everything… but it wasn’t all the time.” That’s where his game has evolved. Taking one play at a time and not trying to make things happen, just letting it happen. A lot of it is due to the coaching. Chip Kelly and Ryan Day are harder on him for different things than he’s been coached up on in the past.
On the atmosphere: “I’m excited. I’m confident that Buckeye Nation is going to show up.” “We need you all.” “Show up, be loud.” They’ve played two Top 5 games on the road, so this is the first time they can host it and have the advantage of the crowd and the environment. “This Saturday, we’re definitely going to need it. We want to overwhelm them with noise.” Having played in the road games this season will help them handle what happens on Saturday. They’ve all been in big games. It can come down to one play.
The offensive line knows they have a challenge ahead of them, “but I’m excited for them.”
How much more confident do you feel as a passer now at Ohio State? A ton overall. He’s settled into this offense. The receivers make his job easy. The check downs keep them on track.
Haven’t watched Kurtis Rourke but he’s efficient based on the stats. “I know our defense is ready for the challenge.” “He does what he has to do to keep the chains moving.”
What was your best throw on Saturday? The one down the middle to Gee Scott. “I just let it rip.” They work on it in practice a lot. He was a little late on it in practice. He got his eyes and feet together quicker on it on Saturday. The defender’s back is turned, so the receiver is open. That one and the first TD to Carnell Tate.
How important is it to fit into the culture as a transfer? It is important. You adapt to the culture and you drop your feelings at the door. It’s not about egos, it’s about being a part of this and doing it the way it’s been done. When you come into a culture that is so defined already, it makes it easy to fit in because you respect the way things are. It speaks to the character of the people and players that are here.
How different is it to prepare for a defense that had a week off? “Not really.” “If they want to show something new, they can.” They see that every week. “They don’t want to play us straight up. We understand we’re the Buckeyes, we may get some different looks.” Just have to feel it out on the first couple of drives and go from there.