The college football season will conclude with a star-studded Ohio State Buckeyes team taking on a Notre Dame group in the midst of a franchise-altering run. After four solid years at Kansas State, Will Howard used his redshirt year to transfer to Columbus. Although he started the campaign as a game manager, Howard has navigated an expanded role and started to play his best football when it has mattered most.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Ohio State is currently a 8.5-point favorite, with the game’s point total at 45.5. Below, I’ve honed in on my favorite player prop centered around Howard in this crucial showdown.
Best Will Howard Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Will Howard 250+ Passing Yards (-110)
For much of the season, Howard simply had to find one of his three future NFL wide receivers — at least one was always open. Last week, Texas exposed the Buckeyes’ reliance on budding superstar Jeremiah Smith. The Longhorns bracketed the freshman, and he was limited to just one catch for three yards. Howard struggled to gain confidence as a pure drop-back passer without his explosive wideout in the fold.
It’s natural that Notre Dame will likely enlist a similar strategy and force Carnell Tate or Emeka Egbuka to beat them. The issue is those pass catchers are studs and can create separation against press-man coverage. There might be a lack of emphasis on deep shots down the field, but emerging concepts underneath will surely develop.
The Irish rely on dominating in the trenches, but the Buckeye offensive line can hold its own. If Howard has time to throw, he can deliver accurate strikes. His weapons take care of the rest. Even if Notre Dame dares Ohio State to pound the rock, Howard should have enough volume to easily surpass the 250-yard threshold.
