By Rock Westfall
“For All Sad Words of Tongue And Pen, the Saddest Are What Might Have Been.” – John Greenleaf Whittier
After an ominous start that included a botched return of the opening kickoff, the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ work ethic, pride, and culture eventually took over to gain a 17-14 lead over the Ohio State Buckeyes with 10:47 remaining in the game. At that point, one of the greatest moments in program history and a signature win for Matt Rhule beckoned. But it was not to be. Nebraska lost 21-17.
With their season on the line, Ohio State found an extra gear against the Nebraska defense that had contained it for most of the day.
Buckeye quarterback Will Howard was clutch, showing the maturity and experience of a senior who led Kansas State to the 2022 Big 12 Championship. Howard was the difference, carving up the Blackshirts on a game-winning 8-play 75-yard drive that culminated in a 9-yard touchdown pass to Quinshon Judkins.
In comparison, Nebraska’s true freshman, Dylan Raiola, was not up to the task. Raiola had his moments, but he was off the mark on two wide-open touchdown passes during the game, which were reminiscent of the one he misfired on late in the loss to Illinois.
For one brief shining moment, Husker Nation got a sampler taste of glory against the 4th-ranked team in the nation in its iconic venue. Nebraska departed the field of the famed Horseshoe in a painful defeat and the ultimate “what might have been” but with the confidence that it can stand toe-to-toe against the best that college football has to offer.
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Nebraska Running Game No Longer Satt Down
In the week leading up to the game, Nebraska offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield was justifiably roasted for giving up on the run too easily, forcing the OC to cop a plea where he admitted he did not fully grasp the necessity to run the ball for success in the Big Ten.
https://twitter.com/nick_sehnert/status/1848788952666284055
Against Ohio State, the Huskers were not dominant against what many consider to be the nation’s best defense, but the rushing attack was effective enough. Nebraska ran for 121 yards on 33 carries compared to 64 yards on 31 rushes by Ohio State.
Perhaps the most impressive feature was that Dylan Raiola was turned loose to run the ball as needed. He responded with 31 yards on nine attempts (including sacks) and broke a rush for 38 yards. If Nebraska previously told Raiola not to run and protect himself, it was a welcome change to see him take advantage of openings offered by Ohio State.
Roughhouse runner Dante Dowdell was Nebraska’s top back, gaining 60 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown in an impressive, statement-making performance.
Satterfield had a significantly better day calling plays, but his continued overreliance on screens remains annoyingly ineffective and easily snuffed out. Whether those screens are out of necessity because of a lack of playmaking wide receivers, poor pass protection, or just comfort food for the OC, the fact remains that increased shots downfield would keep defenses more honest and better set-up screens at select times.
https://twitter.com/JevanWXXV/status/1850250159445119246
Break Out the Blackshirts and Hohl-y Cow!
Defensive coordinator Tony White also pleaded guilty to doing a poor job last week at Indiana but atoned for it against the Buckeyes. Ohio State marginally outgained Nebraska 285-273 and was only 1-10 on third downs.
The Blackshirts kept Nebraska in the game, allowing the Huskers to rally from a 14-3 second-quarter deficit. The only criticism would be the failure to stop the Buckeyes game-winning drive, which looked way too easy. Still, it was a significantly better performance compared to one week ago.
The most encouraging performance of the day was by kicker John Hohl, who was 3-3 on field goals of 39, 54, and 47 yards. Now, Nebraska knows it can kick field goals, including long ones. That is an important confidence boost for the drive towards a bowl game and a winning record.
https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1850230980235178267
Dylan Raiola’s On-the-Job Training Continues With Mixed Results
It is not easy for veteran quarterbacks and good teams to beat Big Ten defenses. Thus, a true freshman on a rebuilding program must be given some grace.
There were times when Raiola played with confidence and efficiency against Ohio State, but with the game on the line in the final drive, Raiola forced a throw that was intercepted to kill off the Big Red upset bid. No doubt, it was a pass Raiola would love to have back.
https://twitter.com/AlwaysCFB/status/1850260165620006937
Raiola is not yet accurate enough to capitalize on big plays when his receivers get wide-open deep. But he was 21-32 for 152 yards with only that final interception. Ohio State harassed Raiola all game with blitzes and totaled three sacks. For the most part, the coveted 5-star recruit held his own. So too does he need to be surrounded by more capable playmakers.
https://twitter.com/CFB_Fan_/status/1850248280443170961
One player making plays was tight end Thomas Fidone, who had four catches for 55 yards, including a 33-yarder. Fidone has been perhaps the best performer on the offense in the past two games.
https://twitter.com/MusikFan4Life/status/1850267559028998266
No Apologies For Claiming Moral Victory
There will be plenty of cliches about Nebraska not wanting to accept a moral win. And defiant claims that the Big Red should have won will be muttered.
But the reality is that Nebraska restored its self-respect and proved that Rhule’s rebuild, while a crockpot recipe compared to Curt Cignetti’s Indiana microwave fare, will give sustainable results in the long run.
Nebraska will host UCLA next Saturday, with the chance to clinch its first bowl berth since 2016. The Huskers’ performance at Ohio State confirms that UCLA is a team that Nebraska should beat.
The Cornhuskers may have lost the game to Ohio State, but they won back their confidence and self-respect while proving that they believe in and respond to Matt Rhule’s leadership. It was an impressive performance by a program that showed its immense pride and commitment.
Nebraska knows it can look a great team in the eye on the road and be able to defeat them.
While there is much to do and miles to go for Rhule’s Nebraska rebuild, pride and commitment have been reaffirmed. Next Saturday night should be a joyous one in Lincoln. The accomplishment of a bowl berth should be clinched.
The best is, indeed, still to come.
The undeniable buildout and progress continue with faith restored.
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