Preview and Prediction Week 9 vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

After a heartbreaking loss in week 7, the Ohio State Buckeyes want to bounce back against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Here’s everything you need to know before the Week 9 game.

No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Columbus, OH
12:00 noon
FOX

The Buckeyes defense is under pressure heavy criticism since giving up 496 yards and 32 points to the Oregon Ducks. This week they will be tasked with stopping former Ohio state prisoner Dylan Raiola. The freshman phenom started his collegiate career on a high note, but has since cooled off. Raiola has thrown for 1,592 yards in seven games, along with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

Nebraska’s weak play will likely leave the offense reliant on the Cornhuskers’ freshman quarterback. This could be a huge turning point for Ohio State’s defense, which failed to put any pressure on the Ducks.

Looking at Nebraska’s defensive end, the unit features a solid front-seven that limits any kind of rushing attack. The longtime Big Ten opponent has allowed an average of 102.9 rushing yards per game this season. This will be a real test for running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, along with the Buckeyes’ offensive line recently lost star left tackle Josh Simmons for the rest of the season.

Quarterback Will Howard and his highly touted wide receiver group will be the key to success against the Cornhuskers.

Howard, aside from his last-second mistake, had a great game against Oregon. The veteran quarterback threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown early in the first quarter.

Nebraska may have a talented front seven, but the team has struggled to defend the passing game this season. Through seven games, the Cornhuskers have allowed an average of 201.4 passing yards. Howard has proven to be dominant this season, averaging 262.3 passing yards per game in 2024.

The most important question, however, is: will he get clean pockets on Saturday? Simmons was one of, if not the most talented player on Ohio State’s offensive line.