MJ Sherman offered an accurate metaphor regarding Nebraska’s mindset following Saturday’s 21-17 loss to Ohio State in Columbus. The Huskers need to “keep chopping at that tree,” the JACK linebacker said. “One day it’s going to fall.”
Coach Matt Rhule was more specific. “This is the first time, first time, since I’ve been here that I’ve felt a championship mindset in the locker room,” said Rhule.
“Championship mindset” following a loss?
Well, Ohio State was ranked No. 4 and still in the hunt for a playoff spot. And Nebraska was coming off a 49-point loss at Indiana. The Huskers had a “hard week” of practice “that would turn into something good,” Rhule said.
They could “sit here and sulk, or we can grow,” said Sherman.
And the numbers showed growth. Consider just a couple.
Nebraska’s defense held Ohio State to 64 rushing yards and 285 total yards, both season lows. The 21 points were also a season low for the Buckeyes. The previous lows were 141 rushing yards, 412 total yards and 31 points — the rushing yards and points were in the only loss to No. 1 Oregon.
Here are some other numbers to consider. Ohio State was 1-of-10 on third down and managed only 11 first downs, to Nebraska’s 18. The Huskers had a 35:07-to-24:53 advantage in time of possession. Nebraska rushed for 121 yards, led by Dante Dowdell, 14 carries for 60 yards and the Huskers’ lone touchdown. Dylan Raiola passed to Nate Boerkircher for the two-point conversion.
John Hohl accounted for Nebraska’s other points, kicking field goals of 39, 54 and 47 yards. Rhule has stood behind Hohl despite a 1-for-5 start to the season, stepping in for an injured Tristan Alvano.
Ironically, perhaps, “the game couldn’t have started any worse,” Rhule said.
Kwinten Ives mishandled the opening kickoff, leaving the Huskers to start at their own 9-yard line. Raiola’s handoff to Dowdell was fumbled, and Dowdell recovered for a 3-yard loss. Raiola completed a 6-yard pass on second down to Emmett Johnson. But on third down, Raiola was sacked for an 8-yard loss.
Raiola would be sacked two more times.
Brian Buschini’s first punt went only 31 yards, giving Ohio State possession at the Nebraska 38-yard line. After three plays, including an 8-yard sack by Jimari Butler, the Buckeyes faced fourth-and-1 at the Husker 27-yard line. Sherman tackled TreVeyon Henderson for a 1-yard loss.
That set the tone for the Husker defense. Rhule “thought our defense was dominant today … except for three plays,” he said.
Ohio State’s touchdowns came on Will Howard passes, 40 yards to Carnell Tate, 60 yards to Jeremiah Smith and 9 yards to Quinshon Judkins with 6:04 remaining in the game.
Dowdell’s touchdown, from 1 yard out with 10:47 remaining, capped a nine-play, 74-yard drive to give Nebraska a short-lived, 17-14 lead. The Buckeyes, who didn’t pick up a first down in the third quarter, responded with the eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive.
Nebraska had two possessions after that, the first a three-and-out. The second began at the Husker 24-yard line, falling back to the 12 on an offensive pass interference but reaching the Nebraska 46, first-and-10, as a result of a targeting call, which drew fans tossing bottles on the field.
“I’m from Philly,” Rhule said with a smile. “I’m all for that.”
He wasn’t for what followed. Nebraska was penalized for a false start, then two Raiola pass completions resulted in 4 yards in losses. On third-and-19 from the Husker 37, Raiola was intercepted with 1:16 remaining.
There were other elements in the game, including questionable officiating. But Rhule focused on the Huskers. He went to Columbus expecting to win, he said.
Though that didn’t happen, “I was proud of that football team,” said Rhule. “They didn’t back down.”
He repeated “proud” several times during his 20-minute post-game remarks.
