Ohio State has one of the most efficient dual threat quarterbacks in college football leading them to an undefeated start, but if the Buckeyes want to get past the Cornhuskers Saturday, they will need help from a few unexpected sources.
The 12th-ranked Buckeyes are currently 5-0 after barely edging out Michigan State last weekend. A 63-yard touchdown pass from Braxton Miller to wide receiver Devin Smith gave Ohio State a 17-13 lead late in the third quarter. The Spartans came roaring back with a field goal to bring the game within one point with over seven minutes left to play. Ohio State’s defense thwarted a last push by Michigan State and took the victory at home.
The victory came at a price, though, as starting running back Jordan Hall was knocked out of the game with a partial PCL tear and will be inactive this weekend.
This week, Ohio State faces a run-first Nebraska team who can also throw the ball extremely well.
Quarterback Taylor Martinez ranks 11th in the nation and first in the Big 10 with a 169.6 passer rating and also has 298 yards rushing.
The Cornhuskers have the fourth best rushing attack in the country, and as running back Rex Burkhead starts becoming more involved since from injury, they will only get better.
Nebraska averages 6.2 yards per carry and already has crossed the end zone 15 times on the ground this season.
The good news for the Buckeyes is that Taylor Martinez and the Nebraska offense have fumbled the football 14 times this season, with nine of them resulting in turnovers. If the OSU defense is able to capitalize on these mistakes the game will be in Ohio State’s hands.
Continue reading at Bleacher Report – Big Ten Football
