Buckeyes Edge Out Huskers in a Hard-Fought 21-17 Victory
The Ohio State Buckeyes squeaked out a 21-17 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday, October 26th, in a game that was much closer than the final score might suggest.
A Nail-Biter to the Finish
The game was a defensive slugfest from the start, with both teams struggling to find their offensive rhythm. The Buckeyes were able to jump out to an early lead thanks to a touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Marvin Harrison Jr., but Nebraska answered with a field goal to keep the game close.
The second half saw both teams trade scores, with TreVeyon Henderson adding a rushing touchdown for the Buckeyes. However, Nebraska's offense began to find its footing, and a touchdown pass from Casey Thompson to Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda tied the game at 17-17 with just over four minutes remaining.
The Winning Touchdown
With time running out, the Buckeyes drove down the field and Noah Ruggles nailed a 23-yard field goal to give Ohio State a 20-17 lead. Nebraska had one last chance to tie the game, but their final drive stalled, and the Buckeyes held on for the victory.
Key Takeaways
- Defensive Dominance: The Buckeyes' defense was the story of the game, limiting Nebraska to just 17 points and forcing three turnovers.
- Stroud Struggles: While Stroud managed to connect on a touchdown pass, he was visibly off his game for much of the match.
- Close Call: Despite the victory, this was a concerning performance for the Buckeyes. The game was much closer than it should have been, and the offense struggled to find consistency.
Looking Ahead
The Buckeyes will look to bounce back next week as they face a tough test against the Penn State Nittany Lions. This game will be a crucial one for Ohio State, as they look to maintain their position at the top of the Big Ten standings.
The victory over Nebraska, though not a dominant performance, was an important one for the Buckeyes. They were able to find a way to win despite struggling offensively, and that experience will be crucial as they navigate a challenging remaining schedule.