One week after the first College Football Playoff Rankings, the Ohio State Buckeyes will have a Top 10 match-up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Ohio State is coming off a much closer win than expected against Northwestern while Nebraska is coming off an overtime loss to Wisconsin. This game is essentially an elimination game for both teams. A loss would hurt their chances severely of winning their division. However, a win for either team and a win against Michigan later in the season could lock a spot for the College Football Playoffs. Nonetheless, this game is crucial for both Ohio State and Nebraska.
What to Watch: Ohio State vs Nebraska
J.T. Barrett vs Nebraska Secondary
The junior quarterback has played well lately, but has not been spectacular. In J.T. Barrett‘s past four games, he has not had more than one passing touchdown. However, Barrett has had two games with over 90 rushing yards in the same span. The Buckeyes have had to face difficult defenses in this span however. Both Wisconsin and Penn State have Top 25 pass defenses, and Indiana ranks 53rd.
For the first time this season, the Ohio State secondary is outmatched in the interceptions category. The Cornhusker defense has intercepted 15 passes this season in eight games. Nathan Gerry and Kieron Williams lead the team with four interceptions while Aaron Williams and Chris Jones both have three. Having four members of the secondary that can make an impact will make it difficult for Barrett to find a great deal of open space. With the receiving corp having trouble getting open recently, it could make it even harder for Barrett this week.
Tommy Armstrong Jr. vs Ohio State Secondary
Senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong, Jr. has struggled since conference play has started. In five conference games, he was held without an interception once and has a ratio of four touchdowns to six interceptions. He has also only completed 73 of his 140 attempts, just barely over 50 percent. Armstrong has also not had over 250 passing yards in any of these games and has only broken over 51 yards once rushing in the same span. Even one turnover could decide a game this close so Armstrong will need to play one of his bets games of the season if Nebraska wins this game.
On the other hand, Ohio State’s secondary will need to force Armstrong to make poor decisions if they want to win this game. Ohio State added another interception last week with Damon Arnette’s early interception last week. The Buckeyes now have 12 interceptions through eight games, ranking them 8th in the country in interceptions. While this may be a little behind Nebraska’s defense, Ohio State’s secondary will still likely have a large impact on who wins this game.
Terrell Newby vs Ohio State Front Seven
Even with Armstrong struggling as of late, Terrell Newby has been able play well. Newby has had 17 or more carries and over 75 rushing yards in all of the last four games. He has become a staple for their offense and has helped Nebraska become the 41st best rushing offense in the country. Newby will have to find a way to cut through the Buckeyes front seven. This may be easier than it seems as the Buckeyes have given up at least 75 to one rusher in all of the past four games.
For the Buckeyes, they will need to learn to turn their rushing defense around. The Buckeyes rushing defense has dropped to 26th after four poor performances and may be looking at a fifth now. Newby has been playing very well as of late and with a poor passing offense, Newby will likely be leaned on.
Overall
This game is win or go home for both teams. Ohio State and Nebraska both have one loss already and a second would almost certainly eliminate them from Playoff Contention, despite it being to such good competition. It would not be surprising if this game went to multiple overtimes but in the end, expect the Buckeyes to come out on top.
