Buckeyes Barely Survive a Scare in Lincoln: Nebraska Takes Ohio State to the Wire
The Ohio State Buckeyes found themselves in a nail-biter of a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday, barely escaping with a 21-17 victory. It wasn't the dominant performance Buckeye fans were expecting, but hey, a win's a win, right?
The first half was all Ohio State. They moved the ball with ease, putting up 14 points before the break. C.J. Stroud looked sharp, connecting with Marvin Harrison Jr. for a beautiful touchdown. The defense was stout, keeping Nebraska's offense in check. It looked like a comfortable victory was in the bag.
But then the second half happened. Nebraska, fueled by a raucous crowd and some questionable officiating, started to claw their way back. The Cornhuskers offense found its rhythm, and the Buckeyes defense seemed to lose its steam. It was a tense affair with both teams trading blows.
Ultimately, it came down to the final drive. Nebraska had the ball with a chance to tie the game, but the Buckeyes defense held strong. A crucial stop on 4th and goal sealed the victory for Ohio State.
A Few Takeaways from the Game:
- Stroud Still Needs to Improve: While he had some good moments, Stroud threw a couple of interceptions that could have been costly. He's got to be more careful with the ball, especially against tougher opponents.
- Defense Needs to Be More Consistent: Ohio State's defense looked dominant in the first half but struggled in the second. They need to find a way to maintain that intensity for the full 60 minutes.
- Nebraska is No Pushover: The Cornhuskers showed a lot of fight and nearly pulled off the upset. They're a young team with a lot of potential, and they'll be a tough out for anyone in the Big Ten.
The Buckeyes escaped Lincoln with a win, but they definitely didn't look their best. This game is a reminder that no opponent should be taken lightly. They'll need to learn from this close call and tighten things up before their next matchup.
Let's Go Buckeyes!