Nebraska vs. Ohio State: Position Grades Breakdown - A Tale of Two Teams
Man, what a game! Nebraska gave Ohio State a real run for their money, even though it ended up being a blowout in the end. We're diving deep into the position battles to figure out who really shined, and who left some points on the field.
Quarterback: Ohio State A+, Nebraska C-
CJ Stroud was just plain awesome. He threw for 361 yards and 4 TDs, looking like a seasoned pro. On the other side, Casey Thompson struggled with accuracy and decision-making. A lot of pressure from the Buckeye defense led to some bad throws, and he just didn't look confident out there.
Running Back: Ohio State A, Nebraska B-
Miyan Williams was a workhorse for the Buckeyes, churning out 129 yards and 2 TDs. He was a consistent threat all game. Nebraska's Anthony Grant was a bright spot, showing some good burst and power, but the run game as a whole was pretty ineffective.
Wide Receiver: Ohio State A+, Nebraska C+
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka are a real dynamic duo. They were constantly open, making spectacular catches, and racking up big plays. Nebraska's receivers, Trey Palmer and Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, did show some flashes, but they weren't able to make enough big plays to keep pace with the Buckeyes.
Offensive Line: Ohio State B+, Nebraska D
Ohio State's offensive line gave Stroud plenty of time to operate, and they opened up holes for Williams. They weren't perfect, but they did their job. Nebraska's line was just a disaster. They couldn't protect Thompson and were pushed around in the run game.
Defensive Line: Ohio State A, Nebraska D-
Ohio State's defensive line was dominant, creating pressure on Thompson and stuffing the run game. They were a real force to be reckoned with. Nebraska's line was completely overmatched, getting pushed around and having trouble getting off blocks.
Linebacker: Ohio State B+, Nebraska C
Ohio State's linebackers made plays all over the field, but they were a little leaky at times. Nebraska's linebackers showed some fight but were overwhelmed by Ohio State's offensive firepower.
Defensive Backs: Ohio State A-, Nebraska D
Ohio State's secondary was solid, limiting Nebraska's passing game. Nebraska's secondary was just plain awful, getting burned for big plays and missing tackles.
Special Teams: Ohio State A, Nebraska C
Ohio State's special teams were solid, with good punting and kick coverage. Nebraska's special teams had a few hiccups, including a missed field goal.
Conclusion
This was a game of two halves. Ohio State looked like a national championship contender, while Nebraska still has a lot of work to do. Their defense is a major concern, and they need to find a way to be more consistent on offense. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, look ready to roll. They're a well-rounded team with a lot of offensive firepower. It will be interesting to see how these two teams progress as the season goes on.