During the College Football Playoff Cotton Bowl semifinal matchup between Ohio State and Texas, all eyes were on Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard, particularly after a concerning visual of his left hand was broadcasted. The image captured an unusual knot prominently situated over Howard’s middle knuckle.
ESPN reported that Ohio State’s medical team is still investigating the timeline of the injury, as Howard has neither voiced any complaints nor sought treatment for the condition. In a key moment televised during the game, it was noted that Howard’s hand may have been struck during a play involving Texas defender Ethan Burke, who made contact on a zone-read keeper. However, the alternative commentary from Pat McAfee on ESPN2 suggested that the injury could have stemmed from a quarterback hurry executed by Texas defender Bill Norton earlier in the second quarter.
Despite the injury, Howard has shown impressive performance on the field, completing 13 out of 18 passes for 125 yards and contributing to the Buckeyes taking an early 7-0 lead in the game. This resilience demonstrates Howard’s determination and ability to persevere, underscoring the tenacity that is often found in college athletes facing adversity.
As the game progresses, it remains to be seen how this injury might influence Howard’s performance moving forward. However, for now, the Buckeyes fans can take heart in their quarterback’s ability to play through pain and maintain a strong start in a crucial matchup.