Sparty +4.5 at Nebraska (ov/un 49.5) Sat noon ET, ESPN

[DallasHusker]

If we had anything at all resembling an offense against MSU we'd have kick thier asses. If Miller didn't get hurt and come out at Nebraska we'd have continued to kick their asses.

I have to agree, that Miller's injury (sure glad it wasn't serious!) made a big difference. I told my wife as much - its why our D was suddenly able to stop your O. What it doesn't explain so well, is why your D was suddenly unable to stop our O?! The Husker O looked pitiful during the first 2+ quarters, and then suddenly changed to dominating.

 

[Woody1968]

I have to agree, that Miller's injury (sure glad it wasn't serious!) made a big difference. I told my wife as much - its why our D was suddenly able to stop your O. What it doesn't explain so well, is why your D was suddenly unable to stop our O?! The Husker O looked pitiful during the first 2+ quarters, and then suddenly changed to dominating.

With Braxton out, our offense couldn't keep our defense off the field, and they got tired. At least that's all I've got. Probably they also tried to go more conservative and just take away the big plays, which allowed your running game to get going.

 

[knapplc]

There were signs that the tide may have turned before Brax got injured, but I significantly doubt that it would have turned enough for NU to come back. When Miller went down, the wind completely went out of the sails of the Buckeye offense. It was the single biggest play of the Husker season so far.

Even if the tide turns late in the third quarter, with a healthy Miller the Buckeyes likely run out the clock. I don't care how tired your defense got, or how much more inspired our defense played after the turnover by Lavonte David, Miller at the helm means too much speed on the field to prevent enough first downs for tOSU to run out the clock.

If Miller doesn't get hurt I think we could have come back to 27-21. Outside shot at tying it in regulation and going to overtime. That's the sunshine-pumper best-case scenario. Most likely Ohio State wins with a health Miller and Nebraska playing lights-out the rest of the game. 75/25.

 

[alexhortdog95]

If Miller doesn't get hurt I think we could have come back to 27-21. Outside shot at tying it in regulation and going to overtime. That's the sunshine-pumper best-case scenario. Most likely Ohio State wins with a health Miller and Nebraska playing lights-out the rest of the game. 75/25.

Well....if we win out, and tOSU has things go their way.....we'll find out again!

 

[Bill Lucas]

Well....if we win out, and tOSU has things go their way.....we'll find out again!

The odds of this happening are looking better and better.

 

[generaladm]

I have to agree, that Miller's injury (sure glad it wasn't serious!) made a big difference. I told my wife as much - its why our D was suddenly able to stop your O. What it doesn't explain so well, is why your D was suddenly unable to stop our O?! The Husker O looked pitiful during the first 2+ quarters, and then suddenly changed to dominating.

There have been a few games in DC Heacock's tenure that the defense has been overwhelmed by a well executed run option scheme. The 2nd half of the '07 OSU/ILL game was very similar, and that OSU squad had two all-conference LBs. In both games, it seemed to me that the defender who had the QB was so unsure of where the hand-off was going that he was afraid to make a tackle. If someone would have at least laid a couple of good shots on Martinez, it could have been enough to stall a drive. I give Pellini credit for recognizing what worked and riding it out.

 

[DallasHusker]

Well....if we win out, and tOSU has things go their way.....we'll find out again!

The odds of this happening are looking better and better.

Here's hoping! Our dream scenario since before the season began was Nebraska - tOSU in the first ever B1G CCG in Indy. Where we diverge is who we want to win that game!

Oh, and with Braxton Miller being a true freshman, you guys have some bright future ahead if he stays healthy. A very impressive young QB, without a doubt.