Game Recap: Ohio State 21, Nebraska 17 (Oct 26)
The Ohio State Buckeyes escaped Lincoln with a hard-fought 21-17 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday, October 26th. The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams battling fiercely for every yard.
A Defensive Struggle in the First Half
The first half was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to find their offensive rhythm. Ohio State's offense, known for its explosive plays, was held in check by a stingy Nebraska defense. The Buckeyes managed just a field goal in the first quarter, while Nebraska couldn't find the end zone either, settling for a field goal of their own.
The second quarter saw both teams trade touchdowns. Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 26-yard touchdown, while Nebraska running back Anthony Grant broke through for a 1-yard touchdown run. The score going into halftime was 10-10, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
The Buckeyes Find Their Groove in the Third
The third quarter was a turning point in the game. Ohio State's offense finally found its stride, and Stroud connected with receiver Emeka Egbuka for a 46-yard touchdown pass. This gave the Buckeyes a 17-10 lead, but Nebraska wasn't ready to give up.
A Tight Finish
The fourth quarter was a tense back-and-forth affair. Nebraska's defense forced a turnover, and quarterback Casey Thompson led the Cornhuskers on a long drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to receiver Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda. The score was tied at 17 with just over three minutes left to play.
With the clock ticking down, Ohio State's offense responded with a crucial drive, culminating in a 28-yard field goal by Noah Ruggles. The field goal gave the Buckeyes a 20-17 lead with just 1:22 left on the clock.
Nebraska had one final chance to tie the game, but Thompson's desperation pass fell incomplete in the end zone, sealing the 21-17 victory for Ohio State.
Key Takeaways
- The Ohio State defense was impressive, holding Nebraska's offense to just 17 points. This was a key factor in the Buckeyes' victory.
- C.J. Stroud showed his resilience, overcoming a slow start to lead Ohio State to victory. His ability to connect with his receivers for big plays was crucial in the second half.
- The game was a close contest from start to finish, showcasing the competitiveness of both teams. This was a hard-fought victory for Ohio State, and it will be a game that both teams will remember for years to come.
This victory keeps Ohio State undefeated and in the driver's seat in the Big Ten conference. The Buckeyes will look to continue their winning ways in the weeks to come.