In the world of college football, mysteries and surprises often add layers of intrigue to already thrilling matchups. One such mystery surrounding the Cotton Bowl has been clarified: the curious case of Will Howard’s swollen hand during Ohio State’s intense 28-14 victory over Texas in the playoff semifinal. Howard, the anchor of Ohio State’s offensive machine, had fans and analysts alike puzzled when cameras caught his left hand looking more like a balloon than anything else.
The senior quarterback shed light on the situation this Wednesday, explaining the cause as a popped blood vessel. During the second quarter, viewers noticed the peculiar sight of Howard’s hand, an unusual occurrence that did not seem to faze the seasoned player. Despite the alarming appearance, Howard assured everyone, “It didn’t hurt at all,” adding a touch of humor to his predicament by mentioning how it had happened before, but without much fanfare that time.
As his team preps for the national championship showdown against Notre Dame in Atlanta, Howard is optimistic about keeping his hand in check. “It is where we expected to be, man. I’m just proud of our guys that we got to this point,” he reflected, showing a mixture of pride and determination as the Buckeyes aim to cap off their season with a championship win.
Ohio State’s recent history against Notre Dame gives them a psychological edge, having bested the Fighting Irish in their last two regular-season meetings. And with bookmakers favoring Ohio State by 8½ points, the stakes are high as they pursue their first national championship since 2014. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, a team steeped in rich traditions of its own, is hungry for its first title since 1988.
The stage is set, and all eyes are on Atlanta as these college football heavyweights gear up for what promises to be an electrifying contest. One thing is for sure: Win or lose, Will Howard and his hand will be right in the thick of it, exemplifying the grit and tenacity that has brought Ohio State to the brink of glory once more.
