It was all set up for another Nebraska ass whooping. Ohio State, hungry, coming off a bye week. Looking to avenge themselves for what happened in Eugene. Nebraska, licking their wounds after getting slapped around like they stole something in Bloomington were supposed to be the sacrificial lamb to the great and almighty Buckeyes, who many believe are the B1G's most legitimate title contenders. However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this version of Nebraska Football would not go gentle into that good night. These 'Skers had different plans.
The Huskers played with what some around these parts may have been questioning ever since that dreadful afternoon in Bloomington. HEART. They fought. They clawed. The Huskers took the fight too big bad Ohio State, having every opportunity to win that game, down to the last possession. What makes that game so important, and what I think can be a springboard for this program and team heading forward, is that they had every opportunity in the world to fold. To buy into the the "here we go again" narrative. Just look at how the game started. Muffed opening kickoff, starting with the ball on their own nine yard line. First snap from scrimmage, the exchange between Dylan Raiola and Dante Dowdell is fumbled. Two more quick plays, including a sack of Raiola, and Nebraska is punting from their own 13 yard line, only for Brian Buschini to shank the punt for 31 yards and the vaunted Ohio State offense gets their first possession on Nebraska's 38.
In the past, it was a story as old as time. Before you could blink in a big game, the Huskers were already down. Not this time. The Blackshirts, maybe somewhat overlooked after getting bitch slapped up and down the field by Indiana, stood up, and in the somewhat slurred words of Lee Corso said..."not today my friends." They stoned Ohio State on four straight plays, including a sack of Will Howard and served TreVeyon Henderson a side of stuffing on 4th down. That's when you could feel it. The team went to Columbus to play some football.
Now, it wasn't all perfect in sunny Columbus, Ohio. B1G officiating continues to be an absolute joke and at the end of the afternoon, Nebraska still fucking lost. But...there were glimpses of what this team could be. Sure, the Blackshirts gave up some explosive plays that lead directly to points, but holding an offensive team the likes of Ohio State to a season low 21 points should be more than enough to pave the way to victory. Even the much maligned kicking game came to life with John Hohl nailing all three of his attempts, including the 54 yarder right before halftime, getting the Huskers valuable points the refs did their best to try and take from us. Sidenote...to miss a spot by almost two full yards, with replay assist not stepping in to stop the game and correct it is absolutely egregious and unimaginable. I couldn't believe my eyes as it was happening in real time...
Anyways, there is no column in the win-loss record for moral victories. There are no moral victories, only more oppotunities. Honestly, this Husker fan is tired of being the little engine that could. It's about damn time the Huskers become the big engine that did. The good news, they get to strap up this weekend and have another opportunity to do just that. The Huskers have the UCLA Bruins coming into town, and another chance to exercise the demons of the past and become bowl eligible with a victory. Toe is set to meet leather at 2:30 PM in beautiful Lincoln, Nebraska. Here's what Nebraska needs to do in order to pass the UCLA test this Saturday.
HEART - Bring the same effort, same energy and desire to win that we saw in Columbus. The team strapping up across the line should never dictate the level of play. Maximum effort each and every play, each and every week, regardless of the opponent. As Coach Rhule says, there should never be a time when you play to the logo on the helmet. Bring it.
Deploy the Howitzer - UCLA's record is what it is. But, statistically, their strength is in their run defense. I think this may be a game where the pass has to open up the run game. On paper, UCLA's defense is susceptible to the pass, ranking as the 16th worst in pass yards per game allowed, allowing on average 269 yards per game. Let young Dylan Raiola unleash some deep balls early and often. Get those guys out of the box to open up the run game. Who knows? Maybe we hit some of them too.
Start Fast - Put the pedal to the metal. Don't let UCLA ever feel like they are in the game. Every Power 4 team is capable, but if Nebraska wants to make the step to being a good football team, they must do what all good football teams do and that is beat the opponents they are supposed to beat. UCLA is 2-5. They have had a brutal travel schedule this year. If the Huskers can start fast they can sap out any juice UCLA may bring to Lincoln and make them look forward to their return to California.
Havoc - The Blackshirts need to bring it again this week. Create absolute havoc within the UCLA offense. Play tough, hard-nosed defense. Stop the run. Stay clingy to the receivers, and force UCLA into some mistakes, as Ethan Garbers has shown the propensity to throw interceptions this year, with 9 so far in 2024 to go along with his 8 TD passes. Get that Husker offense a few more possessions, because with them, you never know if they are going to need them.
It may be two unranked teams facing off tomorrow afternoon in Lincoln, but no matter what way you slice it, it is still a big game for the program. Get that bowl game monkey off this team's back right here. A win on Saturday would do just that. And maybe Husker Nation would get to see what a free and loose Husker Football team looks like for the final three games of the regular season. Every Saturday the Huskers play is a glorious day, but for those of us in Husker Nation that have suffered through the past seven losing seasons, it could be an opportunity for a collective sigh of relief, and a sign of progress in season two under Coach Rhule. #GBR
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