No. 4 Ohio State overcame a tough challenge from Nebraska, securing a 21-17 victory at home. Quarterback Will Howard delivered three touchdown passes, but it was an interception from cornerback Jordan Hancock with just 1:16 remaining that ultimately sealed the game for the Buckeyes.
After falling to Oregon two weeks prior, Ohio State (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) managed to rebound, although their performance did not reflect the high expectations surrounding the team. Howard acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “It wasn’t perfect, but a win’s a win. Our defense made some crucial stops and allowed us to regain the lead in the fourth quarter.”
The Cornhuskers (5-3, 2-3) kept the pressure on throughout the game. John Hohl contributed three field goals, and Dante Dowdell’s touchdown early in the fourth quarter briefly gave Nebraska a 17-14 lead. Despite struggling offensively, Ohio State converted only 1 of 10 third downs and endured multiple punts, a turnover on downs, and a missed field goal.
Nebraska’s momentum was halted when Dowdell’s 1-yard run paired with a successful 2-point conversion put them ahead. However, Ohio State reclaimed the advantage with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Howard to Quinshon Judkins with just over six minutes left on the clock.
On Nebraska’s last possession, they entered near midfield but faced setbacks after an ejection and a false start penalty. Quarterback Dylan Raiola misfired on a critical pass, allowing Hancock to intercept and effectively end the game.
Raiola reflected on a missed opportunity during a third-quarter drive that saw the Huskers reach the Ohio State 7-yard line following an interception, only to be stopped on fourth down. “That’s definitely a drive that we wish we could have finished off,” he said.
Nebraska’s performance was an improvement from their previous week’s 56-7 loss but still left them searching for their sixth win to achieve bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. They remain without a victory against ranked opponents in 27 games and have suffered 18 consecutive losses on the road against such teams. Coach Matt Rhule praised the defense, noting their strong performance aside from three key plays.
Ohio State’s offensive statistics revealed a lack of balance, as they rushed for only 64 yards without standout performances from running backs Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. The Buckeyes avoided their first home loss to an unranked opponent in ten years.
In a notable highlight, Howard connected with Jeremiah Smith for a 60-yard touchdown, marking Smith’s eighth receiving touchdown, which ties him with Cris Carter for the most by a freshman in Ohio State history. Howard finished the game with 221 yards on 13 of 16 passing.
The close score may lead some voters in the poll to reconsider Ohio State’s ranking. Injury updates included Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom and tight end Will Kacmarek being sidelined, while Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson missed the game due to a concussion.
Looking ahead, Nebraska will host UCLA next Saturday, while Ohio State will prepare for a challenging road matchup against No. 3 Penn State.