No. 4 Ohio State survived a late challenge from Nebraska to win 21-17 in Columbus and stay in the Big Ten title race. Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard hit Quinshon Judkins for a go-ahead touchdown with 6:04 remaining to pull away.
The Buckeyes (6-1) play at Penn State next weekend. The Nittany Lions, who play later Saturday night against Wisconsin, are currently ranked No. 3. Ohio State needed a win today to stay above water in the Big Ten Championship Game race: Oregon, Indiana and aforementioned Penn State are undefeated in Big Ten play. Ohio State would have been playing with fire with a second conference loss especially before contests against Penn State and Indiana.
The Buckeyes had an ugly performance in their first game without starting left tackle Josh Simmons, who is out for the season with a knee injury. In his absence, Ohio State was unable to string together consistent drives. Seven of Ohio State’s 10 full drives went for four or fewer plays. In the second half, the first four drives ended with three three-and-outs and an interception.
Nebraska challenged Ohio State after it took a 17-14 lead midway through the fourth quarter thanks to a strong series of plays from running back Dante Dowdell, the Cornhuskers’ first fourth quarter lead against a top-five opponent since 2009. However, Ohio State responded with its strongest drive of the day, an eight-play, 75-yard beauty capped off by a nine-yard touchdown pass from Howard to Judkins.
Late the fourth quarter, a controversial targeting call changed the tenor of the game. Nebraska receiver Jahmal Banks caught a pass but appeared to fumble. After review, Ohio State defender Arvell Reese was ejected for targeting and will miss the first half against Penn State next week. The penalty was added to the end of the catch for an automatic first down. Nebraska was called for a false start and Ohio State defensive back Jordan Hancock picked off freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola to end the game.
Ohio State struggled to run the ball, but continued trying anyway. The Buckeyes carried the ball 31 times for only 64 yards. Howard threw for 221 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 attempts, but the Buckeyes continued trying to pound the ball without success. Receiver Carnell Tate had 102 yards and a touchdown in the win.
Nebraska ran the ball for 121 yards on 33 carries and hit 152 yards through the air. Raiola had zero touchdowns and the game-ending interception in the fourth quarter facing third-and-19.
The Cornhuskers (5-3) are still stuck at one win away from bowl eligibility. They host UCLA next weekend. Nebraska has not made a bowl game since 2016.
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