As Nebraska football prepares for its biggest test of the season, facing the No. 4-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, the conversation around Lincoln is focused on how the Huskers will respond after their crushing loss to Indiana. Avarie Howard and Damon Benning shared insights into what’s next for Nebraska and how they can approach this monumental challenge.
Mental Toughness Will Be Key For Nebraska
Coming off a demoralizing 56-7 defeat, Nebraska Football faces the difficult task of shaking off the loss and turning their attention to one of the most formidable teams in the nation. Head coach Matt Rhule’s message, according to Benning, is simple: the score doesn’t matter as much as the lessons learned. Rhule believes that whether you lose by 50 or by a single touchdown, the Huskers’ task remains the same—get better.
Nebraska’s response will define them moving forward. The ability to reset and bring their best mentality to Columbus is crucial. It’s not just about surviving a juggernaut like Ohio State; it’s about proving that they can take the punches, stand firm, and grow from their experiences. Howard added that mental toughness will be the foundation of how Nebraska football competes, not just in this game, but for the rest of the season.
Nebraska Cornhusker head coach Matt Rhule walks along the sideline watching the action against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during a college football game Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo by John S. Peterson.
Limiting Mistakes and Playing Disciplined Football
Howard and Benning both agreed that Nebraska must play clean, disciplined football if they want any chance of competing with Ohio State. Turnovers, penalties, and mental errors have plagued the Huskers at critical moments, and against a team like the Buckeyes, those mistakes will be unforgiving.
Benning pointed out that while Ohio State is loaded with talent across the board, they thrive on their opponent’s errors. The Huskers can’t afford to give them extra opportunities. Howard emphasized that playing with discipline is non-negotiable. The Huskers need to avoid the kinds of mistakes that cost them momentum, yardage, and, ultimately, the game.
Incremental Progress Is the Path Forward
Despite the daunting challenge, both Howard and Benning believe Nebraska has shown glimpses of potential throughout the season. Matt Rhule’s philosophy, as described by Benning, is all about incremental progress—taking steps forward each week, no matter the outcome. While Nebraska might not be in a position to go toe-to-toe with Ohio State just yet, there’s still room for growth, and this game offers a critical chance to measure how far they’ve come.
Howard chimed in with a note of optimism, reminding fans that while the Buckeyes are an elite team, the Huskers aren’t completely outmatched. “Flashes” of good football have been there all season, and if they can pull those moments together consistently, Nebraska could surprise some people.
A Defining Moment for Nebraska
Facing a top-5 team is never easy, but for Nebraska Football, this game will be a defining moment. Can the Huskers bounce back, show resilience, and make this a competitive contest? While Howard and Benning are realistic about the challenge ahead, they also recognize that this game is an opportunity for Nebraska to demonstrate its growth under Rhule’s leadership.
If Nebraska can put together a disciplined, mentally tough performance, it will mark a significant step forward, regardless of the final score. Ohio State is a perennial powerhouse, but Nebraska has a chance to prove that its trajectory is trending in the right direction.
As the Huskers gear up for battle in Columbus, all eyes will be on how they respond—not just to Ohio State, but to the adversity they’ve faced this season. For Nebraska, this game isn’t just another chance to compete; it’s a chance to show the progress they’ve made.
