After the Ohio State Buckeyes’ loss to the Michigan Wolverines, quarterback Will Howard was in everyone’s crosshairs.

The doubters were right. After all, he had gone just 19 of 33 for 175 yards, a touchdown and a few crucial interceptions in a devastating 13-10 loss.

Remember: There were legitimate questions about Howard at the start of the season. Heck, even Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff may have had some reservations considering it took a while terrible It took a long time for Day to officially name Howard the starter.

Howard didn’t exactly excel in numbers at Kansas State, so the hesitation about whether or not he had what it took to lead the Buckeyes was justified.

And after Ohio State posted its fourth straight loss to arch-rival Michigan, it looked like Howard was indeed the weakest link.

But Howard’s performance against the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl should have finally silenced all his critics.

The veteran signal caller threw darts all over the field during Ohio State University’s shocking 42-21 win over Oregon on Wednesday night. He started things off with a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith. He then threw a laser at Emeka Egbuka for another hit.

Howard was in one Zone.

In total, the 23-year-old managed a total of three touchdown throws in what was probably his best game of the season: 17 of 26 for 319 yards.

Not only has Howard left his pathetic performance against Michigan a distant memory, but he has also vanquished the demons that have taunted him since that fateful night in Eugene in mid-October when Howard accidentally ran out of time by running and in something slipped, which was Ultimately, there was a devastating 32:31 defeat in Ohio State’s first meeting against Oregon.

The Buckeyes didn’t beat the Ducks Despite from Howard on New Year’s Day. No. He was an integral part of the loss and has now turned in two brilliant performances in the College Football Playoff, turning heads (including mine) along the way.

Now we no longer have to wonder if Howard will stop Ohio State from winning a national championship. In fact, it’s entirely possible that this was the toughest test the Buckeyes will face in the remainder of the postseason. Oregon was ultimately undefeated.

Ohio State is looking more dangerous every week, and Howard’s growth is the main reason why.

The jury is no longer in agreement about Will Howard. It’s time to acknowledge that he means business, and the Texas Longhorns could be his next victims in the Cotton Bowl.