**Nebraska Vs Ohio State: Position Grades Breakdown**

ZAGO 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Oct 27, 2024

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Nebraska vs. Ohio State: Position Grades Breakdown

The Cornhuskers traveled to Columbus to face a tough Ohio State Buckeyes team, and while the final score was a lopsided 49-14 victory for the Buckeyes, there were some bright spots for Nebraska. Let's break down the performance of each position group and see where the Cornhuskers need to improve.

Offense

Quarterback: C+

Jeff Sims showed flashes of his athleticism, rushing for 71 yards and a touchdown. However, his passing was inconsistent, completing just 13 of 26 attempts for 115 yards and an interception. Sims struggled to connect with his receivers in the intermediate passing game, often opting for short passes or scrambling.

Running Backs: B

Anthony Grant ran hard and effectively, accumulating 94 yards on 21 carries. His ability to break tackles and find space was a bright spot for the Nebraska offense. However, the running game lacked consistency, and the lack of a true explosive playmaker was noticeable.

Wide Receivers: C-

The receiving corps was largely ineffective against the Buckeyes' secondary. Billy Kemp led the way with 4 receptions for 63 yards, but no receiver was able to consistently get open. The lack of separation and dropped passes contributed to Sims' struggles in the passing game.

Offensive Line: D

The offensive line was dominated by the Ohio State defensive front. They allowed numerous sacks and pressures on Sims, making it difficult for him to establish any rhythm. Nebraska struggled to create running lanes, and the overall performance was a major concern.

Defense

Defensive Line: C+

The defensive line showed some flashes of pressure, particularly from Ty Robinson who had a sack and a tackle for loss. However, they couldn't consistently penetrate the Ohio State offensive line, allowing the Buckeyes to establish a strong running game.

Linebackers: C

The linebackers struggled to contain the Ohio State rushing attack, allowing several big runs. They lacked the speed and physicality to match up with Ohio State's offensive weapons.

Secondary: D

The secondary was exposed by the Ohio State passing game, allowing numerous big plays. They struggled to cover receivers and had difficulty tackling in space. The lack of communication and coverage breakdowns led to several long touchdowns.

Special Teams: B

The special teams unit performed well, with Carter Allen hitting both of his field goal attempts. The punting and kick coverage were solid, preventing any major mistakes.

Takeaways

Nebraska Needs To:

• Improve Pass Protection: The offensive line must find a way to protect Sims from the relentless pressure of opposing defenses.
• Develop Receiving Options: The lack of reliable targets for Sims was a major issue. The receiving corps needs to improve their route running and create more separation.
• Strengthen The Secondary: The secondary struggled to contain Ohio State's high-powered offense. They need to improve their communication, coverage, and tackling.

Nebraska faces a long road to compete with top teams like Ohio State. The Cornhuskers need to address the issues highlighted in this position breakdown and work hard during the off-season to improve their performance.