MY THOUGHTS.....Nebraska

 

Ohio State got the truncated 2020 season off to a rousing start by downing the Nebraska Cornhuskers 52-17 in an empty ‘Shoe in Columbus.  It started off not so well as Nebraska was dominating the line of scrimmage for much of the first half.  The Ohio State defense had trouble adjusting to the change of pace Nebraska’s offense was throwing at them, with Adrian Martinez and backup quarterback Luke McCaffrey taking turns making plays, teaming up on their first drive, a quick four play drive for their first touchdown.  They also had trouble, initially, in covering, the tight end over the middle as Martinez was able to complete multiple passes to TE Austin Allen.  However, some adjustments were made at halftime.  Martinez was pressured a lot more and the Huskers were held to just a field goal.  Pete Werner turned in seven tackles to lead the defense and Tuf Borland and Baron Browning also had solid games, with five tackles apiece.  The secondary played well against Nebraska’s receivers for the most part.  Dallas Gant had a solid game in the secondary coming off the bench in the nickel and dime packages.  He forced the fumble by Martinez that was picked up and returned to the end zone by Sevyn Banks. 

 

                The offensive line had trouble run blocking the Cornhuskers’ defensive front in the first half, as there was not much room for Teague and Trey Sermon.  Leave it to Justin Fields to put the offense on his shoulders.  All his throws were on target; the only incompletion was a drop.  Going 20 for 21 for 276 yards and two touchdowns and running for 54 yards and another score, it was obvious he was the difference maker and the reason why the Buckeyes led by 10 at the half, despite the unimpressive running game.  Halftime adjustments made a big difference in the second half.  The defensive line started getting to Martinez and played better against the run, giving up only a field goal and the offensive line started to wear down Nebraska’s defensive front.  Fields did a great job of spreading around the passing game as eight different players got involved. Led by Garrett Wilson with seven catches for 124 yards.  His afternoon was highlighted by the fingertip catch in the end zone in the second half.  Chris Olave contributed six catches for 104 yards before he left the game with an injury.  Some new faces also saw the ball, led by Smith-Njibga with his two receptions for short yardage.  Newbies Julian Fleming and Juan Williams each had a catch in their first game and both tight ends, Jeremy Ruckert and Luke Farrell also had a reception.

                Next week, the Buckeyes travel to Penn State, who was cheated out of the game against Indiana by incredibly poor officiating.  Nonetheless, the Nittany Lions will still be a major test and they will be out to salvage their season.  Ohio State and Penn State are still the “big boys” of the B1G and the winner will still be the huge favorite to win the B1G this year.