Ohio State Escapes Nebraska Upset, 21-17 Victory

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Post on Oct 27, 2024

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Buckeyes Escape Husker Upset Bid, Clinch 21-17 Victory

The Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked No. 3 in the nation, survived a scare in Lincoln, Nebraska, narrowly escaping an upset at the hands of the Huskers in a nail-biting 21-17 victory. The game, which was closer than many expected, highlighted the Buckeyes' resilience and showcased the potential of the Huskers under their new head coach, Matt Rhule.

A Tight Contest from the Start

The first half saw both teams struggle to establish an offensive rhythm. Ohio State's offense, known for its explosive plays, was kept in check by a surprisingly stout Nebraska defense. The Huskers, meanwhile, relied on a balanced attack, with quarterback Jeff Sims leading the way.

The Buckeyes took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a touchdown pass from CJ Stroud to Marvin Harrison Jr., but Nebraska responded with a field goal to cut the lead to 7-3. The second quarter saw the Huskers take their first lead of the game on a 20-yard touchdown run by Anthony Grant, putting the score at 10-7.

A Back-and-Forth Second Half

The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns. Ohio State tied the game at 10 with a field goal, and then retook the lead on a 2-yard touchdown run by TreVeyon Henderson. However, Nebraska answered with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Sims to Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, putting the score at 17-14 in their favor.

The fourth quarter saw Ohio State take control of the game. A Cade Stover touchdown catch from Stroud gave the Buckeyes a 21-17 lead, and the defense held firm to secure the victory.

Key Takeaways

• Stroud's Struggles: CJ Stroud, a Heisman Trophy contender, had a less-than-stellar performance, throwing for only 183 yards and one touchdown. The Nebraska defense was able to put pressure on him throughout the game, forcing him to make mistakes.
• Nebraska's Defense: The Husker defense was the story of the game. They were able to contain the Buckeyes' explosive offense and create turnovers, giving their offense a chance to win.
• The Road to the Playoffs: This victory is a crucial one for Ohio State, as it keeps their College Football Playoff hopes alive. However, the team needs to be more consistent on offense and improve their overall execution if they want to make a deep playoff run.
• Rhule's Impact: Matt Rhule, in his first season as Nebraska's head coach, has already shown that he can turn the program around. The Huskers played with a newfound toughness and confidence, giving the Buckeyes a serious challenge.

Looking Ahead

This win is a valuable lesson for Ohio State, highlighting the need for improvement and consistency. The Buckeyes will have to find a way to play with more urgency and precision on offense if they want to contend for a national championship. Meanwhile, Nebraska's performance against Ohio State is a strong indication that the program is headed in the right direction under Rhule's leadership. The Huskers have a lot of talent and are showing signs of a promising future.