Desmond Howard, a well-known figure in college football, is currently making headlines due to his recent comments about Ohio State's 2024 non-conference schedule. The former Heisman Trophy winner and current ESPN analyst has been vocal in his critique of the Ohio State Buckeyes, which has stirred up a significant amount of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Howard's remarks have led to a wave of social media traffic, with discussions focused on the strength of Ohio State’s schedule and whether his criticism holds merit.
Who is Desmond Howard?
Desmond Howard is a former college and professional football player, best known for winning the Heisman Trophy in 1991 as a wide receiver and kick returner for the University of Michigan. His famous "Heisman pose" after a punt return touchdown against Ohio State is one of the most iconic moments in college football history. After a successful NFL career, including being named Super Bowl XXXI MVP, Howard transitioned into broadcasting. Today, he is a prominent analyst on ESPN's "College GameDay," where his takes on various college football topics draw considerable attention.
Why is Desmond Howard Trending?
Howard is currently trending due to comments he made during a recent segment on ESPN, where he took aim at Ohio State’s 2024 non-conference football schedule. Specifically, Howard mocked the Buckeyes, stating that they "took the whole month off" when it came to scheduling non-conference opponents. This remark has generated significant buzz, especially as Ohio State prepares for its 2024 Big Ten opener.
The gist of Howard's criticism is that Ohio State’s non-conference schedule lacks competitiveness, which could affect their preparation for tougher opponents later in the season. His comments have struck a chord, as Ohio State is consistently regarded as a national championship contender, and strength of schedule often plays a role in determining postseason eligibility in college football.
Context Behind the Comments
Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse in college football, regularly faces scrutiny regarding their schedule. In recent years, the focus has shifted to how teams balance tough conference play with non-conference matchups. The Buckeyes' 2024 non-conference schedule has come under fire, with Howard’s remarks amplifying the discourse.
Howard's critique is based on the perception that Ohio State’s early-season opponents are not particularly challenging, which could provide the team with an easy path through the first month. This has sparked debate among fans and analysts, many of whom question whether the Buckeyes are doing enough to prepare themselves for the rigors of conference play and potential postseason matchups.
Key Takeaways from Desmond Howard's Criticism
In an article published by On3, Howard used the phrase "took the whole month off" to describe Ohio State’s non-conference schedule. His comments were made ahead of Ohio State’s Big Ten opener, which adds context to his overall point: that the team may not be adequately tested before diving into the more challenging portion of their season.
The same sentiment was echoed in Eleven Warriors, where Howard’s remarks were further explored. His frustration seems to stem from a belief that teams of Ohio State’s caliber should schedule tougher non-conference opponents to keep themselves sharp for the more competitive parts of their season.
Ohio State’s 2024 Schedule Overview
According to an article by NCAA.com, Ohio State’s 2024 football schedule includes its traditional Big Ten matchups and a series of non-conference games. While the full list of opponents and dates is publicly available, Howard's comments specifically focus on the non-conference portion of the schedule, which he believes is underwhelming.
Ohio State’s non-conference schedule is often compared to those of other top-tier programs. Critics like Howard argue that teams aiming for national championships should face tougher competition early in the season to better prepare for the challenges ahead. However, others defend Ohio State, pointing out that the team’s Big Ten schedule is demanding enough, and that a lighter non-conference slate allows for player development without risking early-season losses.
The Broader Debate: Strength of Schedule in College Football
Howard’s critique of Ohio State's schedule touches on a broader conversation in college football about the importance of strength of schedule. In the current College Football Playoff (CFP) era, teams are often judged not only on their win-loss record but also on the quality of their opponents. A weak schedule can hurt a team’s chances of making the playoff, even if they are undefeated.
Ohio State, given its stature in the college football world, is often scrutinized more heavily than other programs. Fans and analysts expect the Buckeyes to face a rigorous schedule, and anything less can be seen as an attempt to pad their win total. Howard’s comments reflect this sentiment, and his status as a Michigan alum adds an extra layer of rivalry to the discussion.
Conclusion
Desmond Howard’s criticism of Ohio State’s 2024 non-conference schedule has sparked a lively debate in the college football community. His remarks, which suggested that the Buckeyes "took the whole month off," have led to discussions about the importance of strength of schedule and whether Ohio State is doing enough to prepare for the challenges ahead. While some agree with Howard’s assessment, others argue that the Buckeyes’ Big Ten schedule is tough enough to warrant a lighter non-conference slate.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, there’s no denying that Desmond Howard’s comments have resonated with fans and analysts alike, making this a trending topic in the world of college football.