COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One of the mysteries of Friday’s Cotton Bowl has been solved: We finally know why Ohio State quarterback Will Howard’s hand swelled like a balloon.

The senior revealed Wednesday why he had a massive bulge on his left hand during the Buckeyes’ 28-14 win over Texas in the playoff semifinal. “Popped a blood vessel,” said Howard. During the second quarter of the Cotton Bowl, the television broadcast showed the OSU quarterback’s swollen left hand.

  • ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 10: A detail view of the hand of Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
  • ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 10: Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops back to pass in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
  • ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 10: A detail view of the hands of Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
  • ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 10: Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes throws a pass in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

The swelling did go down in the fourth quarter but this is something Howard has dealt with more than once this season. “It didn’t hurt at all,” said Howard. “I just looked down and it was pretty big. It happened earlier in the season too. Nobody really noticed then.”

Howard will hope his left hand stays calm during Monday’s national championship game in Atlanta against Notre Dame. “It is where we expected to be man. I’m just proud of our guys that we got to this point but just like I said last week, the job is not finished,” said Howard.

The Buckeyes have played the Fighting Irish the past two regular seasons and beaten them both times. Ohio State is favored to win by 8 1/2 as it chases its first national championship since 2014. Notre Dame has not won the national title since 1988.