Nebraska

Who is ready to make Lady Gaga sad?

(*Note 1 - she really isn't a Cornhusker fan. Apparently, Nebraska was the nickname for a guy she dated, who was, in turns out, from Nebraska).

(*Note 2 - for some reason, trying this hyperlink froze my desktop 4x (using Safari), so I switched to using Firefox. (Chrome would simply tell the US Gov't what I was linking and it's none of their business).

Remember when this game was supposed to be scary?  If you do, you'll also remember that Michigan was once -6 v. Ohio State, but that line has now moved to Michigan +10.5.  Both points are evidence of this philosophy, which should be the basis for your life.

Anyway, Scott Frost will have the Cornhusker program back to elite status soon enough, but not this year.  "But wait!" you say, "didn't Nebraska almost beat us last year in the Shoe?"  Yes, Ohio State squeaked by a weak Nebraska squad 36-31, but there were a number of things present in that game that are not present this year. Chief among those problems was the fact that the Buckeyes tried to have a "Black Out" game at 12 Noon. (I hope the moron that planned that has been sacked, and for good measure, those responsible for the sacking have been sacked as well).

But you may remember that last year, Ohio State had a great offense and a suspect defense, while Nebraska had a good offense and a suspect defense. 

The Buckeyes bring back a great offense: No. 3 in Scoring, No. 15 in Total yards, to name 2 categories. Nebraska's defense is improved, no so much. 62nd in Scoring defense, 81st in passing defense, and have allowed single rushing plays of 60+, 50+, and 40+ so far this year.  Mind you, Nebraska has played South Alabama, Northern Illinois, Illinois, and Colorado.  Not exactly "murderer's row."  Oh, and they are 69th in Red Zone defense. Translated: You get inside the 20 on Nebraska, you get a TD.

The Nebraska offense is again capable:  29th in Scoring, 25th in Total yards, and once again led by Adrian Martinez.  He's thrown for more yards this year than Justin Fields, but to be fair, Fields hasn't played in at least 4 quarters so far.  Also, Fields is completing 70% of his passes compared to Martinez's 60%.   Martinez will run as well - he's got almost as many carries as J.K. Dobbins does.  In other words, the ball will be in his hands a lot.

But the biggest difference this year - aside from the Black Out - will be the Ohio State defense.  Our competition has been the same (or maybe even better) than Nebraska's.  The "Silver Bullets are back! No. 3 in Scoring D, No. 7 in Rushing D, No. 2 in Total Yards allowed, No. 1 in Sacks, No. 2 in Tackles for Loss, and No. 5 in Opponent 3rd down conversion.  Oh, and all those long plays from scrimmage that we gave up last year (and Nebraska continues to give up)?  We are No. 6 in the nation in limiting those long plays.   And for all the "good" things Nebraska's offense does - they are woeful when it comes to Sacks allowed (92nd) and Tackles for Loss allowed (120th). 

The Cornhuskers may punch us in the mouth to start the game, but while their offense is the most talented we have faced, they will not be able to keep up with our scoring.  Over time [read: by the second quarter] our defense will adjust and start living in the Nebraska backfield.  Meanwhile, the Cornhusker D has not shown that it can stop an offense as potent as ours.  Barring unexpected injury or illness, you should not worry too much about this game.

Vegas opened with the Buckeyes by 15 but that has grown to 17.  The over/under has also ballooned from 63 to 67.5.  In 2017, we went into Lincoln and came away with a convincing 56-17 win.  I'm thinking history repeats itself, so take the Buckeyes, give the points, and bet the over.

Schaef says:  Ohio State 56, Nebraska 17. 

P.S.  If you follow collegefootballnews.com, you'll be interested to know that Pete Fiutak has picked the Buckeyes to cover as one of his locks of the week.

P.S. 2 - If you remember ABC's Bill Fleming hosting College Football Highlights on Sunday mornings, you'll recall Nebraska's fight song, which is one of my favorites.  Hopefully, we won't hear it much Saturday evening.