**Nebraska Football Grades: Ohio State Matchup**

ZAGO 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Oct 27, 2024

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Nebraska Football Grades: Ohio State Matchup

The Nebraska Cornhuskers faced a tough challenge in their season opener against the Ohio State Buckeyes, ultimately falling 45-24. While the final score might not reflect a close contest, there were certainly bright spots for Nebraska, as well as areas where improvement is needed. Let's dive into the grades for the Huskers' performance in Columbus.

Offense: C+

Nebraska's offense showed flashes of promise but struggled to sustain drives against a strong Ohio State defense.

• Quarterback: Jeff Sims was efficient in the passing game, completing 20 of 29 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also threw one interception and struggled to move the ball consistently against a tough Buckeye front. Grade: B
• Running Backs: Anthony Grant led the way with 11 carries for 61 yards, but the Huskers' run game lacked explosiveness overall. Grade: C
• Receivers: Billy Kemp and Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda were the primary targets for Sims, each exceeding 60 yards receiving. Grade: B+
• Offensive Line: The offensive line showed some vulnerabilities against a relentless Ohio State defensive line, allowing three sacks and struggling to create consistent running lanes. Grade: C-

Defense: C-

The Huskers' defense faced a formidable challenge in the form of Ohio State's high-powered offense. While they showed some resistance at times, they ultimately couldn't contain the Buckeyes' explosive plays.

• Defensive Line: The defensive line struggled to generate pressure on Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord. Despite a few promising moments, they were unable to disrupt the Buckeyes' rhythm effectively. Grade: C
• Linebackers: Omar Brown and Luke Reimer led the way in tackles, but the linebacking corps struggled to contain Ohio State's running backs. Grade: C
• Secondary: The secondary was often caught out of position against Ohio State's deep passing attack. Grade: C-

Special Teams: B+

Special teams provided a spark for the Huskers, with Tommy Armstrong Jr. (no relation to the former Nebraska quarterback) providing strong punting and Tristan Alvano connecting on all three field goal attempts.

Overall: C

Nebraska's performance against Ohio State showcased both potential and areas that need improvement. While the loss was discouraging, there are plenty of positives to build on. The Huskers will need to improve their run game, generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and tighten up their secondary if they want to achieve their goals in the Big Ten this season.

Key Takeaways:

• Nebraska's offense showed promise but lacked consistency, especially in the run game.
• The Huskers' defense struggled to contain Ohio State's explosive offense, particularly in the secondary.
• Special teams played a significant role in keeping Nebraska in the game, but they will need to continue to perform well against a tougher schedule.

The Cornhuskers have a long road ahead, but with a few adjustments and continued growth, they have the potential to be a competitive force in the Big Ten.