Kyle McCord vs. Will Howard: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks in 2024
Introduction
The football world is buzzing with excitement as Kyle McCord sets a new Syracuse record while his former Ohio State teammate, Will Howard, showcases his own talents in the Buckeyes’ lineup. Both quarterbacks are making headlines this season, each carving out distinct paths after transferring. In this post, we’ll explore how McCord’s impressive performances at Syracuse compare to Howard’s role at Ohio State.
The Transition: Kyle McCord’s Move to Syracuse
Kyle McCord made headlines when he transferred from Ohio State to Syracuse, seeking a starting role. With an 11-1 record as a starter at Ohio State, he craved a situation where he could showcase his skills.
- McCord’s transition has paid off remarkably, especially in Syracuse’s recent 42-14 victory over Holy Cross.
- He threw for 385 yards, marking his fourth consecutive game with over 300 passing yards—a new program record.
McCord’s Stellar Performance Against Holy Cross
In this match, McCord displayed an impressive command of the field. His stats for the game were:
- 28 completions out of 50 attempts
- 385 passing yards
- 4 touchdowns (with 2 interceptions)
Key Highlights of McCord’s Game
- McCord threw three touchdowns in just 16 minutes during the first half, showcasing his ability to read defences and make quick decisions.
- His first touchdown was a crafty run, where he escaped pressure and connected with Umari Hatcher at the back corner of the end zone.
- His second came from a 23-yard pass to Darrell Gill Jr., helping put the Orange up 14-0.
- The third was a dazzling 38-yard sideline throw to Jackson Meeks that electrified the crowd.
- The fourth was a simple 4-yard pass to Trebor Pena just before halftime, solidifying his strong first-half performance.
Despite not throwing any touchdowns in the second half, McCord’s impact was felt throughout the game. Syracuse is now on a three-game road trip, starting next week in Las Vegas against UNLV.
Will Howard’s Journey with Ohio State
Meanwhile, Will Howard is making waves as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. After McCord’s departure, Howard seized the opportunity to lead the Buckeyes.
In their recent game against Michigan State, Howard’s stats were also impressive:
- 21 completions from 31 attempts
- 244 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns (with 1 interception)
Howard’s Performance Against Michigan State
- Howard started the game strong, completing 12 of his first 13 passes for 113 yards, showing excellent accuracy early on.
- He also showcased his versatility, rushing for a 6-yard touchdown and carrying the ball six times for 14 yards.
Comparing McCord and Howard’s Season Stats
Let’s break down their performance this season to see how they stack up against each other.
Quarterback | Pass Completions | Attempts | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kyle McCord | 86 | 127 | 1,074 | 14 | 5 | 18 | -16 | 1 |
Will Howard | 72 | 105 | 1,039 | 8 | 2 | 14 | 35 | 3 |
Key Takeaways:
- McCord leads in both passing yards and touchdowns, demonstrating a more prolific passing game.
- Howard has been efficient and effective, particularly in maintaining a balance between passing and rushing.
The Road Ahead for Both Quarterbacks
Kyle McCord and Will Howard both have promising seasons ahead.
- McCord’s transition to Syracuse has been smooth, and he’s making a name for himself with record-breaking performances.
- Howard’s steady leadership at Ohio State shows that he’s more than capable of guiding the Buckeyes to success.
Conclusion
The paths of Kyle McCord and Will Howard highlight the competitive nature of college football and the opportunities available after transferring.
- As McCord continues to break records at Syracuse, Howard is establishing his legacy at Ohio State.
- Both quarterbacks are making significant impacts this season, proving that their decisions to transfer were the right moves for their careers.
Whether you’re cheering for Syracuse or Ohio State, one thing is clear: these quarterbacks are not just playing; they are redefining their futures on the field.