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Ohio State’s offense was once again rolling in the Shoe, but it did take the defense a drive to settle in during the Big Ten opener versus Nebraska. Ryan Day’s team looked ready for the season and ran away with it 52-17. The fifth ranked Buckeyes now move to 1-0. Here’s how we got there:
1st Half
Nebraska’s scripted first drive worked perfectly against an Ohio State defense with many new pieces. The offensive line bottled up the front seven of the Buckeyes and the ground game was able to thrive. In less than two minutes and only four plays, the Cornhuskers were able to run 75 total yards. Adrian Martinez bounced to the outside and walked in for a 10-yard TD to make it 7-0.
As expected, the Buckeyes bounced back immediately on the ensuing drive. Justin Fields had a perfect drive throwing the ball going 3-3 for 52 yards. Master Teague capped off the drive by punching it into the endzone from the one-yard line. All knotted up at 7.
OSU’s defense quickly responded on the next drive forcing a punt. The offense once again struck through the passing game. A beautiful 42-yard strike to Garrett Wilson from Justin Fields gave the Buckeyes the first lead of the game at 14-7.
After back-to-back punts for the Cornhuskers and the Buckeyes, Nebraska put the first points on the board in the second quarter. The ground game combination of Martinez, Luke McCaffrey and Dedrick Mills led the drive. Mills tied the game at 14 with a 3-yard TD run.
On the next drive for the Buckeyes, a questionable spot on a second down run for Fields set up a 3rd and 1. Trey Sermon was quickly stuffed and the Buckeyes settled for a Blake Haubeil field goal. (17-14)
A three and out for the Huskers gave the Buckeyes great field position and an opportunity to strike again right before half. Master Teague capped off a five play, 46-yard drive with a 6-yard TD run. Buckeyes with a 24-14 lead at half.
