Time: 8 PM EST
Spread: OSU -3
Total: 58
Betting Odds from Bookmaker
The Cornhuskers are ranked 21st in the nation on the heels of a ground game that is ranked 5th in the nation and has led them to scoring 44.8 points per game. They’ve defeated Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Idaho State and Wisconsin, but lost to their only ranked opponent, then-No. 22 UCLA.
Because the Cornhuskers haven’t fared well against the only tough opponent they’ve faced, which wasn’t as good as this week’s opponent Ohio State, it’s difficult to imagine them coming away with a victory against the Buckeyes. College football oddsmakers agree, setting the line three points in Ohio State’s favor.
Analyzing the Cornhuskers’ only loss yields the following: their defense just isn’t tough enough. They gave up over 600 yards to a UCLA team that tore them apart in both the air anad on the ground. UCLA back Johnathan Franklin ran for 217 yards and Brett Hundley of the Bruins threw for 305 yards.
It’s pretty easy to assume that Braxton Miller of OSU will find a way to tear the Cornhuskers’ D to shreds.
Miller has been a great dual threat QB, and has propelled the OSU rushing defense into a 21st rank nationally, pacing them in what has amounted to 224.2 yards per game. He hasn’t needed to pass so much, so their passing offense lingers far behind with only 194 yards per game, but the results have been undeniable: OSU is undefeated and they took care of business last week against Michigan State in their first matchup against a nationally ranked opponent.
Miller was pounded by the Spartan line, but stayed reliant. He threw for 179 yards and ran for 136, which was just enough for OSU to escape with the one point victory. His 63 yard TD pass to Devin Smith in the third quarter gave the Buckeyes a 17-13 lead and the defense was able to contain Le’Veon Bell of MSU, which allowed OSU to prevail.
Their defense should have a similar effect on the Nebraska backs, which will be crucial, as they have four running backs with over 200 yards. Ameer Abdullah is the toughest of that corp. He’a amassed 486 yards on 79 carries this year, while scoring five TDs. If OSU can manage to contain Abdullah, it should result in a victory. It’s no easy task, though, so college oddsmakers have reacted accordingly. This should be a good game to watch for fans, as both schools need victories this week, even though the Buckeyes won’t be able to contend for a BCS championship due to NCAA sanctions.
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