Nebraska Vs Ohio State: Position Grades

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Post on Oct 27, 2024

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Nebraska vs. Ohio State: Position Grades - A Tale of Two Programs

The 2023 season opener between Nebraska and Ohio State was a clash of styles, with the Buckeyes showcasing their national championship aspirations against a Cornhusker team looking to rebuild under new head coach Matt Rhule. Let's break down the game with position-by-position grades, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.

Offense

Ohio State:

• Quarterback (A+): C.J. Stroud was a dominant force, showcasing his elite arm talent and mobility. He effortlessly carved up the Nebraska defense, throwing for 354 yards and 4 touchdowns.
• Running Back (A): Miyan Williams led the charge, rushing for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Buckeyes' running game was efficient and explosive, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
• Wide Receiver (A+): Marvin Harrison Jr. continued his stellar form, grabbing 7 catches for 184 yards and 3 touchdowns. The receiving corps was deep and talented, consistently making big plays downfield.
• Offensive Line (A): The Buckeyes' offensive line provided outstanding protection for Stroud and opened up holes for the running backs. They allowed just one sack and consistently controlled the line of scrimmage.

Nebraska:

• Quarterback (C): Jeff Sims struggled against the Ohio State defense, throwing for just 106 yards and an interception. He lacked rhythm and was often pressured, leading to hurried throws.
• Running Back (C): Anthony Grant had a few flashes, but the Nebraska rushing attack lacked consistency. The offensive line struggled to create running lanes, resulting in limited production.
• Wide Receiver (B): Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda and Billy Kemp IV showed promise, but the Cornhuskers' passing game was largely ineffective. The lack of explosive plays hampered their offensive potential.
• Offensive Line (C): The offensive line struggled against the Buckeyes' defensive front. They allowed multiple sacks and failed to establish a consistent run game.

Defense

Ohio State:

• Defensive Line (A): J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer were disruptive forces, applying pressure on Sims and limiting the Nebraska running game. The defensive line was a dominant unit, showcasing both power and speed.
• Linebackers (A): The linebackers were active in pursuit, filling gaps and making tackles. They were consistently around the ball, helping shut down the Nebraska offense.
• Secondary (A): The Buckeyes' secondary played exceptionally well, limiting the Nebraska passing attack. They showed great coverage skills and tackled effectively in space.

Nebraska:

• Defensive Line (C): The defensive line lacked the size and athleticism to match up with the Ohio State offensive line. They struggled to penetrate the pocket and were often pushed around in the run game.
• Linebackers (C): The linebackers missed tackles and struggled to contain the Ohio State running game. They lacked the speed and physicality to consistently make plays.
• Secondary (C): The Nebraska secondary was exposed by the Buckeyes' passing attack. They struggled to cover receivers and made several missed tackles.

Special Teams

Ohio State:

• Special Teams (A): Jake Seibert connected on both his field goal attempts, and the Buckeyes' return game was solid. They showcased a strong special teams unit with minimal mistakes.

Nebraska:

• Special Teams (C): The Cornhuskers struggled in the special teams department. They failed to convert on a field goal attempt and had a few mishaps on kickoffs.

Conclusion

The opening weekend matchup between Nebraska and Ohio State was a clear demonstration of the gap between the two programs. Ohio State's offense was explosive and efficient, while their defense was dominant. Nebraska, on the other hand, struggled on both sides of the ball, highlighting the rebuilding process they are currently facing. The Buckeyes showed they are legitimate national championship contenders, while the Cornhuskers still have a lot of work to do to reach that level.