Ohio State vs. Nebraska three and out halftime review
The Ohio State Buckeyes are struggling more than most expected against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, but if the last few drives before the half are any indication, we’re hoping Ohio State is about to separate themselves permanently. As we precited, Nebraska has been tough as a two-dollar steak on defense, but no matter how effectively they play, the inconsistency in putting the ball into the end zone could be the Cornhuskers’ downfall.
Even with the momentum moving into the Buckeyes’ corner, there is still not a whole lot of positives to take away as the offense has struggled to find its groove, and the defense has suffered an injury that may have serious ramifications. It also gave up an uncharacteristic explosive play for a touchdown.
The following are three takeaways from the first half.
How bad is the injury to Jack Sawyer?
Jack Sawyer looked to be in pain after his second-down pressure on Martinez. He just came out of the medical tent.
— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) November 6, 2021
True freshman defensive end, Jack Sawyer has been seeing an increase in snaps each week and has been somewhat pivotal to the improvements this defense has made and is a key part of the defensive end rotation. Up to this point in the season, Sawyer has honestly been the third most reliable end on the roster. He has accounted for one sack today and a few pressures, but has suffered an abdomen injury and the extent of which is unknown.
What about the rushing attack?
Ohio State is on pace to throw 72 passes today and run the ball 25 times.
For someone who preaches balance as much as Ryan Day, that's probably not sustainable.
— Tom Orr (@TomOrr4) November 6, 2021
Ohio State is properly equipped to manhandle and dominate Nebraska upfront and should allow for the running game to thrive. But that just isn’t happening and it doesn’t seem like head coach Ryan Day has any interest in trying to commit to the run. Very strange and a bit worrisome.
The offense just isn't in a groove
Ohio State needs to run the dang ball.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) November 6, 2021
There have been flashes from the Ohio State offense but things are just off a little for the number of yards C.J. Stoud is piling up through the air. He’s cashed in 219 air miles already, but there are only 17 points on the board. What’s more, is that the running game just isn’t clicking for the second straight week. My prediction was a dominant running game opening up the passing attack, but the play-calling and rhythm feels a bit weird.
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