Buckeyes Survive Nebraska, Win 21-17

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Post on Oct 27, 2024

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Buckeyes Survive Nail-Biter Against Nebraska, Win 21-17

The Ohio State Buckeyes escaped with a hard-fought 21-17 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a game that went down to the wire. The win keeps the Buckeyes undefeated and atop the Big Ten standings, but the performance raised some questions about their vulnerability moving forward.

A Slow Start and a Fight to the Finish

The game started with a bang, as CJ Stroud connected with Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 75-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. However, the Buckeyes struggled to maintain that momentum, committing two turnovers in the first quarter. Nebraska, meanwhile, played with a surprising amount of fire and intensity, taking advantage of Ohio State's miscues and keeping the game close throughout.

Stroud's Struggles and the Defense's Resilience

While Stroud's early touchdown was impressive, he faced constant pressure from the Nebraska defense throughout the game, throwing for only 173 yards and one touchdown. The Buckeyes' offense sputtered at times, failing to establish a consistent running game and struggling to convert on third downs.

Fortunately, the Buckeyes' defense came up big when it mattered most. The unit forced three Nebraska turnovers, including a crucial interception in the fourth quarter that effectively sealed the victory. J.T. Tuimoloau led the charge with a dominant performance, consistently disrupting the Nebraska offense and making several key tackles.

Key Takeaways from the Narrow Victory

Despite the win, the game highlighted some areas of concern for the Buckeyes:

• Offensive Consistency: Ohio State needs to find a way to be more consistent on offense. While Stroud is a talented quarterback, he needs more protection from the offensive line and better execution from the receivers.
• Turnover Margin: The Buckeyes cannot afford to give away the ball like they did against Nebraska. Two turnovers in the first quarter nearly cost them the game.
• Defense Stepping Up: The defense played exceptionally well, particularly in the second half. Their ability to force turnovers and create pressure was crucial to the win.

Looking Ahead

While the victory was far from perfect, it was a testament to the Buckeyes' resilience. They showed the ability to overcome adversity and grind out a win when things weren't going their way. As they face a challenging schedule moving forward, the Buckeyes will need to continue to improve in all areas to maintain their place at the top of the Big Ten.

This victory against Nebraska was a reminder that the Buckeyes are not invincible. But, it was also a reminder that they have the talent and potential to overcome any obstacle. The upcoming weeks will provide a real test of their mettle and the true measure of their championship aspirations.