Ohio State senior quarterback Will Howard performed to high expectations in the Buckeyes’ 38-15 win over No. 5 Indiana, but his stat line wasn’t what had social media talking. Instead, it was a sideline celebration that tapped deep into internet culture, pretending to light and stomp out an imaginary joint that polarized football fans and started debates about sportsmanship vs bravado in college athletics.

The Buckeyes remained in control throughout the game after overcoming an early seven-point deficit caused by a two-yard yard from senior Hoosier running back Ty Son Lawton. Encircled by teammates and coaches in a sea of red jerseys, Howard simulated putting a fake joint to his mouth, flicking it away, and stomping it out, a nod to the viral “putting them in a pack” meme used to mock defeated opponents.

Cameras quickly panned to Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, who waved off the gesture in visible disgust. On X, the reactions ranged from amused to outraged.One fan wrote, “Bro, have some sportsmanship geez,” while another chimed in, “IU talked a lot [Curt specifically] the past few weeks. Many people, OSU fans or not, enjoyed seeing how they fared against a good team.”

Indiana came into the matchup as heavy underdogs with sportsbooks, giving the Hoosiers a 10.5-point cushion. Cignetti was bold to the press as he talked his team up before the game, taking direct aim at critics of his program.

“We’ve got the largest scoring margin, victory margin in college football, right?” Cignetti said. “There’s a narrative out that’s created another chip for us. People can stick that narrative up their you-know-what.”

When asked how he planned to slow down Ohio State’s high-powered offense, Cignetti laid out his strategy of controlling the line of scrimmage, stopping the run, and creating turnovers by forcing Howard into tight coverage. He ended the interview with a walk-off, saying, “Google me, I win,” which rubbed a portion of Buckeyes nation the wrong way online.

Will Howard pretends to smoke

Will Howard told Indiana, “Google Me” ( 

Image:

FOX)

Will Howard stomps out an invisible joint

Howard’s celebration was in response to Indiana’s head coach’s words ( 

Image:

FOX)

Cignetti’s verbal faith didn’t translate to the field. Ohio State controlled the game after Indiana’s first-quarter rushing TD as senior running back TreVeyon Henderson led the Buckeyes’ rushing attack with 68 yards and a touchdown. The Buckeyes collectively rushed for 115 yards on the ground, and Howard was nearly perfect, completing 22 of 26 passes for 201 yards, two touchdowns, and just one interception.

“I was just having some fun with it. I have a lot of respect for those guys, man. I think what coach Cignetti’s done over there, he’s done a heck of a job,” said Howard after admitting that the words he mouthed before the gesture were “Google me,” returning the favor to Cignetti. “The Buckeyes are here, and the Buckeyes won,” he continued. “So you can Google that.”

Cignetti’s plan to rattle Howard never materialized. The Buckeye’s offensive line held firm without giving up a single sack, and by the end of the third quarter, the team had a 28-7 lead.