Ohio State is headed to the College Football Playoff semifinals, thanks in no small part to the play of quarterback Will Howard.
Howard, who has eclipsed 300 yards passing in both of the Buckeyes’ playoff wins, threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns in Ohio State’s 41-21 win over undefeated Oregon in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. Despite the huge performance, the Kansas State transfer was not allowed to celebrate on stage after the victory. A Rose Bowl security guard stopped Howard and told him he couldn’t climb on, earning backlash from the internet.
On Sunday, Howard explained the reason he was left out. Turns out, it was because of a weight limit for the structure.
“It was strictly a weight limit thing. I don’t know if it was a poorly executed fat joke or what this guy was trying to do — no, I’m kidding,” Howard said, via Chase Brown of Eleven Warriors. “I guess he said there was a weight limit, and there were too many people on it. … That’s all it was.”
Additionally, Howard said he wasn’t the only Buckeye who was denied access. Eventually, several players had to sneak onto the stage.
“I ended up going to the other side and jumping on. It was a bunch of us that had to sneak on,” he explained. “You didn’t see it, but Caleb (Downs) had to sneak on and I think Lathan (Ransom) had to sneak on. They were trying to be strict about it, but it is what it is. I guess they’re doing their job, so I got nothing.”
Hopefully, if Ohio State beats Texas in the Cotton Bowl this week, Howard and his teammates will be able to celebrate freely.
The Buckeyes and Longhorns will play in the College Football Playoff semifinals at AT&T Stadium on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
The winner will face either Penn State or Notre Dame for the national title.
Related: Will Howard Disrespected By Rose Bowl Security After Ohio State’s Win