Will Howard, OSU avoid upset of Raiola, Nebraska as fans debate Ryan Day's future | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Ohio State led 14-3 about midway through the second quarter thanks to touchdown passes of 40 and 60 yards from quarterback Will Howard to Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith:

Things went downhill from there, however, as the Buckeyes missed a 42-yard field goal with just over two minutes left before halftime, allowing Nebraska to respond with a successful 54-yard field goal before going in went to the locker room.

After halftime, the Buckeyes allowed another field goal to cut the lead to 14-9, and their first three offensive series of the second half couldn't have ended much worse.

Howard threw an interception when Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog Jr. caught an airmailed pass, and he returned it to the OSU 7-yard line:

However, the defense saved Ohio State's offense by stopping the Huskers with a four-and-goal at the 2-yard line.

However, OSU hit a three-pointer on the next two drives and Nebraska finally took advantage early in the fourth quarter when running back Dante Dowdell scored from one yard out. With a successful two-point conversion, Nebraska went up 17-14:

The pressure was heavily on the Buckeyes' shoulders after Nebraska took the lead, but Howard prevailed, orchestrating an eight-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a nine-yard touchdown pass to running back Quinshon Judkins, to bring OSU back above:

While Day's coaching has often been questioned in recent years, he has also been praised for his ability to attract top recruits and transfers to the program.

Two of the biggest additions of the offseason came through the transfer portal in Howard and Judkins, so it was only fitting that they met on the go-ahead touchdown.

Aside from the one big mistake, Howard had another strong game, going 13 of 16 for 221 yards with three touchdowns and a pick, but defense was the biggest difference for OSU.

The Buckeyes held Nebraska to 273 total yards in the game, and quarterback Dylan Raiola struggled mightily, going 21 of 32 for 152 yards with no touchdowns and the game-winning interception for Hancock:

Although the Buckeyes fell short in their last game against No. 1 Oregon and didn't have anywhere near their best performance on Saturday, it seems highly unlikely that Ohio State would appoint a coach, meaning Day is almost certainly at the helm for the key game Next weekend will clash with Penn State on the road.

Penn State entered Saturday with a perfect 6-0 record and the winner of next week's game against Ohio State will maintain the upper hand in the CFP race.