OSU VS ND CFB PREVIEW

Will Howard

Strengths:

Poise and Leadership Will Howard, despite not being a household name, has shown impressive maturity and leadership in Ohio State’s offense. He has the ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations, something vital for a team with playoff expectations. His leadership in the huddle and ability to keep his cool in crucial moments will serve him well as the Buckeyes prepare for the postseason.

Accuracy and Timing Howard has developed a reputation for being an accurate passer. Whether it's quick throws over the middle, hitting intermediate routes, or delivering deep balls, his accuracy stands out. His ability to read defenses and deliver the ball with precise timing has allowed Ohio State’s offense to stay balanced and efficient. As the team transitions into higher-pressure games, Howard’s consistency in hitting his targets will be key.

Intelligence and Decision-Making Howard is a cerebral quarterback who understands how to manage the game. He makes quick decisions and is adept at reading defensive alignments pre-snap. His ability to get the ball out quickly, often before defenders can react, prevents opposing defenses from setting up a pass rush. His decision-making abilities help minimize mistakes, and his ability to quickly find the right target often keeps Ohio State’s offense moving smoothly.

Strong Arm and Downfield Capability Howard possesses a solid arm capable of making all the necessary throws. His ability to stretch the defense with deep passes, especially with Ohio State's talented wide receiving corps, is one of his most significant assets. When it comes to attacking the sidelines or making deep seam throws, Howard has the arm strength to get the ball where it needs to be, and he has improved in this area during his time at Ohio State.

Weaknesses:

Limited Mobility While Howard is capable of moving in the pocket, he lacks the dual-threat ability that some other quarterbacks possess. He isn’t known for his scrambling or elusiveness under pressure, which can sometimes hurt Ohio State's offense if the protection breaks down. Against quicker, more aggressive defenses, Howard’s inability to extend plays with his legs can limit his options.

Inconsistent Big-Play Execution While Howard has the tools to attack downfield, he can sometimes struggle with his deep-ball consistency. His accuracy on longer passes can be hit or miss, and against elite defenses in the playoff race, these kinds of inconsistencies can be costly. Ohio State has explosive talent at receiver, but Howard will need to maximize this potential by being more consistent with deep throws in key games.

Pressure in Big Games Howard’s limited experience in truly high-stakes games might hinder his ability to thrive under intense pressure. Ohio State is aiming for a playoff spot, and Howard will need to prove that he can manage the tension and make plays when the stakes are highest. His performance in pivotal matchups will be a major determinant of his effectiveness in the playoff race.

Riley Leonard

Strengths:

Dual-Threat Ability and Mobility Riley Leonard’s best asset is his ability to impact the game both through the air and on the ground. With exceptional mobility, Leonard can escape pressure, extend plays, and make things happen with his legs. His rushing ability, particularly in short-yardage situations or when things break down in the pocket, adds a dimension to the Notre Dame offense that puts stress on opposing defenses. Leonard’s dual-threat nature gives Notre Dame a level of unpredictability that’s difficult to game plan for.

Arm Strength and Deep Ball Accuracy Leonard has a powerful arm that allows him to make all the throws at the college level, including deep passes. His ability to stretch the field vertically and hit receivers in stride on deep routes is one of his primary strengths. In a high-powered offense like Notre Dame’s, Leonard’s deep-ball accuracy becomes crucial, especially when looking to keep opposing defenses honest and create explosive plays.

Big-Game Experience Leonard has gained valuable experience in big games, having led Notre Dame to key victories and proven himself in high-pressure environments. His ability to stay calm in crucial moments and execute plays under pressure is vital for a team like Notre Dame, which has national championship aspirations. Leonard’s poise and confidence in clutch moments make him a leader that can carry the team through the most difficult challenges.

Field Vision and Playmaking Ability Leonard excels at scanning the field and making plays outside the structure of the offense. Whether it’s identifying mismatches in coverage or improvising when the pocket collapses, Leonard’s ability to keep his eyes downfield and make plays in unstructured situations sets him apart from other quarterbacks. His playmaking ability allows him to create opportunities even when the defense is tight.

Weaknesses:

Inconsistent Decision-Making While Leonard has the raw talent to make all the throws, he can sometimes struggle with his decision-making under pressure. In the heat of the moment, he can make risky throws or hold onto the ball too long, which results in sacks or turnovers. His tendency to try and do too much at times can lead to mistakes that can hurt Notre Dame in critical moments.

Development of Passing Consistency While Leonard has a strong arm and can make spectacular throws, he can struggle with his consistency, particularly on short and intermediate routes. There are times when his mechanics break down or his timing with receivers is off, leading to inaccurate passes. For Notre Dame to succeed in the playoffs, Leonard will need to develop more consistency in his passing, particularly in situations where precision and timing are essential.

Tendency to Over-Rely on Mobility Leonard’s natural athleticism and ability to escape pressure can sometimes cause him to rely too heavily on his legs. While his mobility is a great asset, at times he can overlook open passing lanes or opportunities to deliver the ball from the pocket. Against more disciplined defenses, Leonard will need to make sure he uses his legs as a complement to his passing, rather than as a crutch.