A Constant Concern
Ohio State gave up 349 yards passing to Nebraska last Saturday night. It was a big number to allow, but not something that the Buckeyes have been unfamiliar with this season.
It was the first 300-yard game for the Huskers in 2017, but how much does it really mean for Ohio State?
For instance, does knowing that Nebraska was 12-for-24 passing for 95 yards in the first half make you feel better? The Buckeyes were leading 35-0 at that point. Ohio State then got the ball out of the second half and scored again, making it 42-0.
So, after it was 42-0, the Huskers went on to complete 15-of-23 passes for 254 yards.
The numbers didn’t matter in terms of the outcome, but there is still a concern for Ohio State.
“There always is,” said defensive coordinator Greg Schiano. “When you give up plays through the air you have concern. I thought we played really, really well in the first half, which was a continuation of the way we played the week before. Then in the second half we didn’t play [well]. Now we did make some changes in personnel, but there’s no excuses. Whoever is on the field are the 11 starters and we have to make plays. I think there’s a sense of urgency about that, as there has been since the beginning of the season.”
Painful Memories
One year ago tomorrow, the Ohio State Buckeyes walked off the field at Penn State completely stunned.
After controlling most of the game last season, the Buckeyes somehow lost control and the Nittany Lions came away with a 24-21 victory.
Ohio State eventually put the game behind them, but they haven’t forgotten that feeling. They also understand what the matchup means this season.
“It was tough. It was our first loss,” said defensive end Nick Bosa. “We put it behind us and clearly we salvaged the season pretty well. This year our backs are against the wall so there’s no other options, we’ve got to go win this one.”
Defensive line coach Larry Johnson spent much of his coaching life in Happy Valley, which has never been lost on his players. They know this is a big game for him as well.
“Yeah, especially for coach J. He used to coach there,” Bosa said. “He really doesn’t want to lose to them again. Him especially, he doesn’t like their team anymore, so we definitely want to do it for him and for our season obviously.”
It’s Coming Together
Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day were supposed to change Ohio State’s offensive fortunes. Things didn’t start out exactly as people were hoping, but the offensive output has certainly gotten better.
Why is that?
“I think one, we’re getting some great communication,” Wilson said. “I think from Coach Meyer during the week of things he wants to see and why. And I think Ryan’s doing a great job of mixing up some pass thoughts and I’ve got a little idea of tempo and going fast. We’ve kind of figured out in the short term. Now again, there’s always going to be bumps in the road. You don’t block it well or you don’t guess right and call a bad play, you get behind the chains. But right now, we don’t have all the answers, but we’re working together very well.”