The Ohio State quarterback returns against Michigan

On December 1, 2024By Littum

For a moment Saturday in “The Game,” it looked like Ohio State might have to beat rival Michigan without its starting quarterback.

Will Howardwho transferred from Kansas State to play for Buckeyes this season, took a heavy hit from the Wolverines defensive back Macari Paige at the end of a two-yard scramble with 12:37 left in the second quarter of the annual Big Ten rivalry game. Howard had to leave the field for a fourth-and-1 and back-up Devin Brown handed the ball off to convert with a 10-yard dash by running back Quinson Judkins.

Brown’s appearance was short-lived, however, as Howard quickly emerged from the injury tent and returned to the game following a Michigan timeout after missing just under three minutes of action. He was shown running along the sideline, cheering on his teammates and the capacity crowd as those inside Ohio Stadium roared.

FOX Sports sideline reporter Jenny Taft reported on air that Howard was “evaluated for a potential head injury” by Ohio State, but that he came to the sideline and told the Buckeyes’ trainers and medical staff, “I’m fine. I’m fine.”

Ohio State trailed Michigan, 7-3, at the time of the play that forced Howard from the game. Upon his return, the Buckeyes failed to get any points out of the drive as kicker Jayden Fielding missed a 38-yard field goal.

The Buckeyes have lost three straight years to Michigan, and the skid comes over coach Ryan Day’s otherwise successful tenure at Ohio State. The two teams went into the break tied at 10.