Nebraska Football vs. Ohio State

This game was a significant mental test for Matt Rhule's Huskers and the culture he is building. After a disaster in Bloomington, I hoped the Huskers would exceed national expectations by covering the spread. They achieved much more and had a chance to win the game. While another one-point loss hurts, it bodes well for Nebraska's chances in its remaining games. Nebraska still needs to clean up its mistakes, as good teams on Nebraska's schedule can exploit them to win.

The Blackshirts delivered a stronger performance in this game. Last week, the Hoosiers scored on four of their first five drives and never looked back. One of my goals for Nebraska in that game was a punt from Ohio State in the first half. The Huskers did this in their second appearance on the field and forced stops on two more of the Buckeyes' first five drives. The Buckeyes have had at least five explosive plays in every other game this season. The Blackshirts limited them to just three, but unfortunately all three were chasing points.

A dismal rushing defense performance at Indiana was the Huskers' worst since Scott Frost was coach. Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson combined for just 54 yards rushing. This was only the second game in which either player ran for fewer than 54 yards this season (Judkins was limited to just 23 against Oregon). Nebraska filled (

The offense remained a liability this week. Nebraska managed just 4.9 yards per play (including penalties) in this game. While some people aren't interested in where this game ranks nationally, it is in the bottom quartile of all games. Given the injuries on the offensive line, it's hard to expect much improvement in the running numbers. However, the coaches can improve the passing scheme.

Nebraska scored on five of its 19 completions (on non-penalized plays) for gains of less than two yards. Only 42 teams had a higher rate of short shots in a game this season. During the season, 15.9% of Nebraska's completions were for two or fewer yards. This is the 15th highest rate in the country. The screen passes aren't working and it's a dereliction of duty on Marcus Satterfield's part to continue calling them.

The defense wasn't the only unit that showed improvement this week. Nebraska posted a positive EPA on its special teams plays for the first time this season. John Hohl's 47-yard field goal in the third quarter was a crucial play that brought the game back to within one possession. With an EPA of 2.90, it was the seventh best play of the game. The special teams were far from perfect, with the opening kickoff error at -2.49 and the punt three plays later at -0.65. While special teams are far from an asset for the Huskers, they weren't a liability against Ohio State, which allowed Nebraska to stay in the game.

Against Indiana, the Huskers were miserable in all three periods of the game. Two units improved enough for the Huskers to keep up with the Buckeyes in Columbus. This level of play will give the Huskers a chance to win each of their last four games. If the offense can also take a step forward, the Huskers could finish the season at 9-3. However, I'm not sure these improvements will be made this season, and major improvements may be needed this offseason.

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