That was practically Biblical. One play, Braxton Miller’s third quarter fumble, changed the momentum of the entire night.
First half: fun. Ohio State got some big plays, the defense looked great and Nebraska fans were spooked. Ohio State led 21-6 had the half.
Second half: Notsomuch.
Things were going fine well into the third quarter, as their lead swelled to 27-6 on a Carlos Hyde touchdown following a 27 yard pass to Corey Brown.
But then things went crazy. With about 8 minutes left in the third, Miller got stripped, turned the ball over and Nebraska scored a quick TD to make it 27-13. On Ohio State’s next drive, Miller got his foot caught in the turf, hurt his ankle, Joe Bauserman came in and no good things happened ever again.
Well, that’s not entirely true. Bauserman’s first full drive wasn’t a complete meltdown. Following another Nebraska TD, Joe had Buckeyes in a 1st and 10 on Nebraska’s 29, but a run for -3 yards and two incomplete passes later, Ohio State was punting. No good things happened after that punt. Not a one.
Nebraska ended up scoring 28 unanswered points, coming all the way back and beating the Buckeyes 34-27. It was awful.
Bauserman finished 1-10 for 13 yards with a pick. Sounds about right. But what is so baffling is why Joe Bauserman needed to throw the ball 10 times. Or why after seeing Joe Bauserman throw the ball 5 times, Coach Luke thought he should sling it five more times. It was bad. Not that the defense helped out that much(28 unanswered is 28 unanswered), but Bauserman’s ineptness and Fickell’s insistence on playing him will be the takeaway.
And I had geared myself up for a loss too. I could’ve taken losing 28-3. I was prepared for that 28-3. But blowing a 21 point second half lead? That’s tough.
