This week’s Buckeye State of the Union makes sense of Ohio State’s disappointing showing against Nebraska and what it means moving forward.

Dear Fellow Buckeyes,

Following a loss and coming out of a bye week, we expected an angry and focused football team. The dichotomy of Saturday’s game was finding the balance between that and understanding that Nebraska was embarrassed the week prior and Penn State is next on the schedule. Still, the offensive line needs to play better if Ohio State wants to compete at the highest level and achieve its goals. 

Overall, it is an inexcusable performance by the Buckeyes in a game surrounded by so much hype to right the ship after a tought loss. It raises the question: do you feel worse after losing to Oregon or beating Nebraska? That should never be a predicament for Ohio State. 

Will Howard had an efficient day, completing 13/16 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns. The Buckeye QB did have a poor interception in the third quarter. Ohio State’s wide receivers were the bright spot for the offense, as Carnell Tate led all pass catchers with 102 yards and a score. Jeremiah Smith continued his dominance, hauling in three receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. 

On the other hand, the Buckeyes could not run the football against the Nebraska front. Losing Josh Simmons unquestionably hurts the offense, but mustering up only 64 yards (2.1 ypc) on the ground is inexcusable. The offensive line played its worst game of the season, not to the fault of TreVeyon Henderson or Quinshon Judkins. 

Zen Michalski started his first game and struggled mightily. The coaching staff decided to let him work through the adversity. Unfortunately, Michalski also left the game with an injury, so Ohio State’s depth issues up front are glaring at the moment. If they are not solved, it could cost the Buckeyes the chance to achieve its goals. 

Justin Frye may have to slide Donovan Jackson outside and choose between Austin Siereveld and Luke Montgomery, who saw action on Saturday on the inside. 

Defensively, Ohio State rebounded nicely from the disappointing performance against Oregon. The Silver Bullets held Nebraska to 17 points and 273 yards of offense. Dylan Raiola averaged 4.3 yards per completion, and the Cornhuskers ran for 3.7 yards per carry. 

Jordan Hancock sealed the game on the final drive with an interception after an egregious sequence from Big Ten officials. Ohio State notched 13 tackles for loss with three sacks, which is a positive sign that needs to continue with or without safety Lathan Ransom. 

For the third time since 2015, Ohio State was held to less than 50 offensive snaps. The Buckeyes accounted for only 47 plays and gained 11 first downs. However, I believe we will see a different team in Happy Valley this Saturday.