No. 4 Ohio State clinched a 21-17 victory over Nebraska in a closely contested game in Columbus on Saturday. Will Howard threw three touchdown passes for the Buckeyes, but a late interception by cornerback Jordan Hancock was crucial in sealing the win.
Ohio State improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten after recovering from a previous defeat against Oregon. However, the team struggled against a Nebraska squad that was nearly a four-touchdown underdog. “It wasn’t perfect, but a win’s a win,” Howard said. He credited the defense for stepping up in the fourth quarter, which allowed the Buckeyes to regain the lead.
The Cornhuskers, now 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten, kept the game competitive. John Hohl’s three field goals and Dante Dowdell’s touchdown gave Nebraska a brief lead in the fourth quarter. Ohio State managed only one conversion on ten third-down attempts and punted five times, with an additional missed field goal and a turnover on downs.
Dowdell’s 1-yard touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion put Nebraska ahead 17-14. Ohio State responded with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Howard to Quinshon Judkins, reclaiming the lead with just over six minutes remaining.
In a crucial moment on Nebraska’s final drive, a targeting ejection for Ohio State’s Arvell Reese shifted momentum, but the Huskers faced penalties and setbacks, ultimately leading to the decisive interception by Hancock.
Nebraska came close to taking the lead earlier in the game when Malcolm Hartzog Jr. intercepted a pass, setting them up at the Ohio State 7-yard line. However, a defensive stand on fourth down prevented a touchdown, leaving Nebraska to reflect on missed opportunities.
Ohio State appeared to struggle with its ground game, managing only 64 rushing yards, and failed to deliver big plays from key players. The Buckeyes avoided a home loss to an unranked opponent for the first time in a decade.
Howard made history by throwing a 60-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith in the first half, tying Smith with Cris Carter for the most receiving touchdowns among freshmen in the school’s history. Howard completed 13 of 16 passes for 221 yards, including another touchdown to Carnell Tate.
Considering the close nature of the game, Ohio State may face scrutiny from voters in the polls. Injury reports noted that Ohio State played without starting safety Lathan Ransom and tight end Will Kacmarek, while Nebraska was without running back Rahmir Johnson due to a concussion.
Looking ahead, Nebraska is set to host UCLA, and Ohio State will visit the third-ranked Penn State next Saturday.