The Cotton Bowl left us with many unforgettable moments, but one mystery that had fans buzzing was the sight of Ohio State quarterback Will Howard’s hand, which looked more like a pufferfish than a throwing hand during the Buckeyes’ 28-14 playoff semifinal victory over Texas. On Wednesday, Howard finally addressed the intrigue surrounding the swollen hand—turns out, a blood vessel had popped, causing the unusual bulge.
Throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter, cameras zoomed in on Howard’s left hand, clearly more than a talking point for commentators and fans alike. By the fourth quarter, the swelling had subsided, but as Howard revealed, this wasn’t his first encounter with the condition. “It didn’t hurt at all,” he reassured. “I just looked down and it was pretty big. It happened earlier in the season too. Nobody really noticed then.” It seems Howard has been quietly managing this odd issue all season.
Looking ahead to Monday, Howard and the Buckeyes are prepared for a showdown in Atlanta against familiar foes, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, in the national championship game. “It is where we expected to be, man,” Howard reflected, showing his confidence in his team and emphasizing that their season goals remain unfulfilled. “I’m just proud of our guys that we got to this point but just like I said last week, the job is not finished.”
The Buckeyes have had Notre Dame’s number in their past two regular season meetings, walking away victorious both times. As they gear up for the title clash, Ohio State enters as the 8 1/2-point favorite, looking to claim their first national championship since 2014. Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish are eager to capture that elusive title that has escaped them since 1988. This matchup not only promises to be a gripping continuation of their rivalry but also a high-stakes battle for national supremacy.
As the clock ticks closer to Monday’s clash, all eyes will be on Howard. The hope is that his hand—and his team’s performance—remain steady under the bright lights of one of college football’s biggest stages.
