3 objectives for Nebraska football against Ohio State

I don’t believe that Nebraska football should be seeking a moral victory on Saturday. However, outside of one of the greatest upsets in program history, the Huskers might be stuck with that.

It would be great to see them give the Buckeyes a run for their money. Even if it’s for two or three quarters. The final score isn’t all that important — it’s more about how this team feels about itself coming out of this game and heading into a critical four-game stretch.

With that in mind, here are three objectives for the Nebraska football team against Ohio State on Saturday.

Make it a four-quarter game

The Indiana game was essentially over at halftime. But if the Huskers had scored early in the third quarter, there would have been hope of a comeback. My hope is that Nebraska football is within two touchdowns going into the fourth quarter.

That seems like a gargantuan task after what we saw last week. But no team is ever as good or as bad as it seems. Being competitive against this Ohio State team, even if it gets a little ugly late, should give this team some much-needed confidence.

This team doesn’t need a moral victory as much as it needs to avoid another soul-crushing defeat. Just hang around and don’t get beat as badly as Indiana.

Find a running game

Ohio State averages 43 points per game on offense, but the defense is damn good too. The Buckeyes allow just 2.7 yards per rushing attempt to opponents, which doesn’t bode well for Nebraska fooball, which is averaging just 2.7 yards per rushing attempt in four Big Ten games.

If there is any hope for Nebraska to win this game, it has to be effective running the ball. The Huskers have to control tempo, control the clock, and keep the Buckeyes dangerous wideouts on the sideline.

None of that can happen if they don’t run the ball. Dylan Raiola also needs a run game. Hell, the offensive line needs a run game to help with pass protection. It’s a lot easier to protect on second or third-and-five, than second-and-1o or third-and-10.

So run the ball well, and maybe, just maybe, the Huskers can make it interesting.

Tony White and the Blackshirts need to rebound

Tony White blamed himself for the performance against Indiana. He’s had some great moments and there’s a reason to think he’ll get it back on track.

It’s fair to say the Blackshirts have been a disappointment. The Huskers scored 24 points against Illinois and lost. They allowed 56 to Indiana. That offense was good but it shouldn’t have put a 50 burger on the Huskers.

I sincerely thought those days were done. Saturday will tell us if they are. If White and the defense have a good day, it will keep Ohio State under 30 points. Even holding them under 40 would feel much better than last week.

The defense will be motivated but against Chip Kelly and against an elite Ohio State offense, White needs to be on the top of his game.

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