Ohio State vs Nebraska Preview

Ohio St. Offense vs Nebraska Defense


Can Ohio St. do anything on offense? That is the key to the game. The good news is that this is not a vintage "Black Shirts" defense for Nebraska. They got completely manhandled by Wisconsin, though our offense is definitely not Wisconsin. Nebraska is 64th if the FBS in Total Defense and 73rd in Points Against. This should give Ohio State's offense a little better chance than against Michigan State.

The big question to me is how conservative will Ohio St be.  If they come out playing predictably conservative, like they have all year, then this is going to be another long night. Nebraska is going to stack the box all night to stop the run and will blitz Miller at every chance. Will Ohio St be able to pass the ball to keep Nebraska's defense honest?

What I would like to see: Everyone assumes Ohio St will come out very conservative, so I would like to see Ohio St. come out in the "I" formation and run a play action deep ball the first play of the game. Then, I would like to see a heavy dose of play action bootlegs, WR screens, and RB screens throughout the first few possessions to hopefully keep the defense honest, so they cannot tee off on the running game and blitzing Miller.

What I expect to see: I expect to see a lot of the same. I expect to see Ohio St come out running the ball and playing very conservatively. Most likely, Ohio St will run almost every first and second down, leaving Miller in tough 3rd and longs all night.

Advantage: Nebraska Defense

Nebraska Offense vs Ohio St. Defense


The key to this matchup is whether Ohio St. can stop Nebraska's running game. Ohio St. needs to be able to stop the run and force Martinez to try to win the game through the air. Martinez is a 50% passer and is prone to making mistakes (5 interceptions this year).

What I would like to see: I am hoping to see Ohio State's defensive line dominate this game. The buckeye defense needs to stop the Nebraska running game, and force them into obvious passing downs. I then want to see the DB's make plays. I want at least 2 interceptions, including a much needed defensive touchdown. They have been close a few times this year to getting Int's that would have turned into pick 6's. This is the game they need to convert some of those Int's.

What I expect to see: I expect to see Nebraska play fairly conservative offensively. They have to know that Ohio State's offense is going to have trouble scoring any points, so they will not too many chances.

Advantage: Ohio State Defense

Advantages


QB: Nebraska
RB: Nebraska
WR: Nebraska
TE: Ohio State
OL: Nebraska
DL: Ohio State
LB: Nebraska
DB: Ohio State
Special Teams: Nebraska
Coaching: Nebraska


Predicion: Both teams will come out conservative on offense and aggressive on defense. This will be another low scoring game. Ohio State's only chance is to get the lead early and try to hang on. It will also be important to get some big defensive and special teams plays. I see the defense keeping it close, but I can't see our offense being able to do enough in a hostile environment to win the game. I see it as Nebraska: 20  Ohio State: 13