Nebraska Football Position Grades: Ohio State

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Post on Oct 27, 2024

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Nebraska Football Position Grades: Ohio State

Nebraska's season opener against Ohio State was a tough one, but it offered valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the Cornhuskers' roster. Here's a position-by-position breakdown of their performance against the Buckeyes:

Quarterback: C

Jeff Sims showed flashes of brilliance, including a few impressive runs, but struggled with consistency. He threw for only 170 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, ultimately failing to connect with his receivers for big plays. While his mobility adds a new dimension to the offense, his accuracy and decision-making need improvement.

Running Back: B+

Anthony Grant shined in his first game as a Husker, rushing for 107 yards on 20 carries. Marvin Scott III added a solid contribution, showcasing his power running style. The offensive line provided decent run blocking, but the lack of explosive plays and missed opportunities in the red zone held the running game back.

Wide Receiver: C-

Despite a strong start from Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, the receiving corps struggled against Ohio State's tough secondary. Trey Palmer faced tight coverage and had a few drops. The lack of explosive plays and a noticeable drop in production after Garcia-Castaneda's early touchdown left much to be desired.

Tight End: B

Thomas Fidone showcased his potential, grabbing four receptions for 41 yards. His ability to create separation and make tough catches was a bright spot in the offensive game.

Offensive Line: C

The offensive line showed promise in the run game but struggled with pass protection. Jeff Sims was sacked four times, highlighting the line's inability to consistently create a pocket. While they managed to create some space for the running backs, there's room for improvement in both run blocking and pass protection.

Defensive Line: B

The defensive line provided consistent pressure against a formidable Ohio State offensive line. Ty Robinson led the charge with 6 tackles and a sack, while Riley Van Poppel and Nash Hutmacher also contributed. While the run defense had its moments, it ultimately struggled to contain Ohio State's running backs consistently.

Linebacker: B

The linebackers were active in the run game and generated a few tackles for loss. Luke Reimer led the team with 9 tackles, while Nick Henrich added 7 tackles. The unit showed decent coverage skills but faced challenges against the Buckeyes' quick passing offense.

Secondary: C

Nebraska's secondary struggled to contain Ohio State's passing attack. Jamel Johnson and Quinton Newsome had their moments, but the unit overall gave up too many big plays. While they fought hard, the lack of experience showed in the passing game.

Special Teams: B

Trey Palmer showed off his athleticism with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The kicking game was solid with Tommy Armstrong Jr. connecting on his only field goal attempt. While there were no major issues, the special teams performance was relatively quiet.

Overall: C

Nebraska's performance against Ohio State showcased a team with clear potential but still under development. The offense showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency, while the defense played hard but struggled against Ohio State's high-powered offense. As the season progresses, the Cornhuskers have the talent to improve and compete in the Big Ten.