No. 6 Ohio State pours it on in 62-3 win against No. 10 Nebraska
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Breaking down No. 6 Ohio State’s 62-3 win against No. 10 Nebraska:
THE BIG PICTURE: Ohio State kicked off its push for the College Football Playoff by dismantling Nebraska in a dominant performance against a conference foe rapidly losing its grasp on a divisional title.
The talent gap is immense between these two proud programs, with Ohio State currently knee deep in a run almost unparalleled in Big Ten Conference history while the Cornhuskers slowly crawl toward relevancy under second-year coach Mike Riley. The Buckeyes were 17-point favorites for a reason — their best laps Nebraska’s best.
It was nonetheless a hugely positive sign to see Ohio State shake off nearly a month of frustration — a stretch defined by inconsistency, and a loss to Penn State — with a 60-minute showing against the 10th-ranked team in the country. The Buckeyes returned an interception for a touchdown on the Cornhuskers’ opening drive and never looked back.
WHAT WE’LL BE TALKING ABOUT: A 59-point win against Nebraska is a good leaping-off point for Ohio State as it takes aim at Michigan, a Big Ten title and a return to the College Football Playoff. Two years ago, the Buckeyes’ road to a national championship was paved by a ferocious close to the regular season keyed by a 59-0 swamping of Wisconsin to win the Big Ten.
Will history repeat itself in 2016? Make no mistake: Ohio State still controls its own destiny in the race for a national semifinal even with that loss to the Nittany Lions. Though even a relatively inconsistent performance would get the Buckeyes past Maryland and Michigan State during the next two weeks, the Ohio State team that rolled past Nebraska might have what it takes to beat Michigan and earn the Big Ten's spot in the Playoff.
Nebraska's Tommy Armstrong carted off but returns to field
KEY PLAY: In hindsight, the game was over after Nebraska first pass attempt. Quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. had his throw tipped and then picked off by Ohio State’s Damon Webb, who returned the interception 36 yards to give the Buckeyes an early 7-0 lead. (Armstrong was carted off the field after slamming his head to the turf in the second quarter; he returned to the field in the second half in street clothes.)
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Good things happen when Ohio State gets the ball to Curtis Samuel, the do-everything skill player so crucial to the Buckeyes’ offensive efforts. See tonight, when Samuel carried the ball five times for 41 yards with another eight receptions for 137 yards and two scores.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM WEEK 10
