Buckeyes Edge Nebraska 21-17 for a Hard-Fought Victory
The Ohio State Buckeyes survived a scare in Lincoln, Nebraska, edging out the Cornhuskers 21-17 in a nail-biting affair. The victory marks the Buckeyes' fourth win of the season and keeps them undefeated heading into a crucial matchup against Penn State next week.
A Close Contest Throughout
The game was a back-and-forth battle from the opening kickoff. Both teams struggled to gain momentum offensively, with the defenses dictating the tempo early on. The Buckeyes took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to a touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Marvin Harrison Jr., but Nebraska quickly responded with a field goal to cut the deficit to four.
The second quarter saw both teams exchange field goals, leaving the Buckeyes with a 10-6 lead at halftime. Nebraska came out strong in the third quarter, scoring a touchdown to take a 13-10 lead. The lead would be short-lived, however, as Ohio State answered with a touchdown of their own to regain the lead.
The fourth quarter was a tense affair, with both teams trading punts and neither team able to score until Noah Ruggles kicked a 27-yard field goal with 1:51 left in the game. The Buckeyes defense held strong in the final minute, securing the 21-17 win.
Defense Shines for the Buckeyes
The Buckeyes defense was the story of the game, holding Nebraska's offense in check for much of the contest. The Cornhuskers were held to just 275 yards of total offense, including a meager 90 rushing yards. The Buckeyes were particularly dominant on third down, forcing Nebraska to convert just 3 of 14 attempts.
Jim Knowles' defense was a key factor in the victory. The Buckeyes entered the game with the No. 1 ranked defense in the country in terms of yards per play allowed. They proved once again that they're a formidable force, especially against a potent Nebraska offense led by Jeff Sims.
Key Takeaways
The Buckeyes' victory over Nebraska wasn't pretty, but it was a valuable one. They faced adversity on the road, and ultimately found a way to win. The defense's performance was a huge factor in the win, and it gives them a lot of confidence moving forward. However, the Buckeyes need to improve their offensive efficiency if they want to compete for a national championship.
The victory sets up a massive game against Penn State next week. The Buckeyes will be looking to extend their undefeated streak and prove they are the best team in the Big Ten.