PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Dwayne Haskins/Tate Martell are both mentioned because it will be interesting to watch whether Ohio State uses Martell in a possible red-zone package. Haskins has been brilliant throwing the ball, with 30 touchdowns passes in eight games, tying 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith for third most in a season in Ohio State history. He’s five away from the record of 35 set in 2017 by J.T. Barrett. But Haskins is not anywhere near as mobile as Barrett, or as Martell, and with defenses deploying their personnel to disregard Haskins as a runner, there’s pressure on Ohio State’s offensive coaches to either devise a scheme involving Martell or enable the running backs to get the tough yards when defenses stack the box.
–RB J.K. Dobbins/Mike Weber were expected to comprise a potent 1-2 running punch this season for Ohio State, but the results are underwhelming after eight games. Each has had his moments, but nothing sustainable yet. Dobbins leads Ohio State in rushing with 521 yards on 120 carries (65.1 yards per game) and Weber has 516 yards on 96 carries (64.5 per game). Dobbins has one 100-yard game this season (121 vs. TCU) and Weber also has one (186 yards vs. Oregon State in the opener). In the loss to Purdue on Oct. 20, the two backs combined for 69 rushing yards. It’s obvious that Ohio State needs more production from Dobbins and Weber, starting this week against Nebraska, as the coaching staff scrutinizes the position and figures out what works.
–WR K.J. Hill has turned in back-to-back games with 100 yards receiving. The last Ohio State player with two similar games in a row was Santonio Holmes in 2005 vs. Michigan State and Indiana. Hill finished with nine receptions in each game and 187 yards three weeks ago against Minnesota. He’s second on the team in receptions with 49 for 656 yards and four touchdowns, behind only Parris Campbell (52-600, seven TDs). Hill’s role could be elevated now that WR Austin Mack is out after surgery. Ohio State’s six-receiver rotation could be cut to five unless WR C.J. Saunders is used more.
–DE Chase Young elevated his play in September, particularly in Ohio State’s 27-26 win at Penn State after All-American DE Nick Bosa was sidelined for the season. But since then, Young has not displayed the dominance he did in that game. Ohio State needs someone to step up on the defensive line to make dynamic plays and Young seems the most logical candidate. His 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss trail only DT Dre’Mont Jones on Ohio State’s defense. Young’s ability to bring heat on opposing quarterbacks would benefit Ohio State’s sporadic secondary. Ohio State has produced 26 sacks, but Bosa had four of those. The Buckeyes are allowing 241.1 yards passing per game.
SERIES HISTORY: Ohio State leads Nebraska 5-1. The Buckeyes are 4-0 in games played in Columbus. Nebraska’s only win in the series came in 2011 during Luke Fickell’s one season as Ohio State’s head coach. The Buckeyes have won the past two games in 2016 and 2017 by a combined 118-17.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I want Ohio State to be successful in the worst way. We’re working extremely hard to make sure that’s happening.” — Ohio State coach Urban Meyer
