Ohio State vs. Nebraska final thoughts before the game

Ohio State and Nebraska are set to do battle at Noon. Here are some random, final thoughts before all the fun begins Saturday in the ‘Shoe.

Okay, here we go. Finally, somewhat unbelievably, Ohio State has its first game for the pandemic stricken 2020, and it’s against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. As we do every week, we provide you with some final thoughts that consist of a mind-numbing stream of consciousness that may involve some research, may be a bit snarky, but will most definitely be utterly ridiculous.

So off we go as we dive right in …

  • I’m interested to see what kind of game feel the ‘Shoe will have without fans. It’s a cavernous sports venue and the players will have to try and generate momentum on their own.
  • Speaking of which, if a game is played, but nobody is there to hear the tree fall in the forest, did a game really happen?
  • Are we going to see 2018 Adrian Martinez for Nebraska, or will it be more like the downgraded 2019 version that should have had a return policy on it?
  • When is Scott Frost going to turn this whole Big Red thing around? So far, it’s felt more like somewhat Larger Than Average Red during his first two seasons.
  • I often wonder if Nebraska is ever going to be the program that it once was. Michigan and Notre Dame haven’t been able to return to former glory either, and I fear there are a slew of built-in disadvantages for a team that can’t pull from a solid recruiting base and has lost so much momentum. Frost has his work cut out for him. UCF had a ton of talent in the backyard of Florida.
  • Did you know Memorial Stadium in Lincoln was patterned after Ohio Stadium? Yes, it’s true.

  • I’m afraid Ohio State will be too “up” for the start of this game with all the push to play and all. Anyone else concerned?
  • I’m really interested to see how the wide receiver corps rotation shakes out.
  • Ditto on the secondary
  • And the carries between Trey Sermon and Master Teague
  • Not so much at the quarterback spot. That guy is pretty good.
  • Ohio State is favored almost four TDs. Cover or no? That’s a huge number against a traditional power program.
  • It is entirely possible that Ohio State’s offense is going to be even better than what we saw last year. Good luck defensive coordinators.
  • How long will it be before the Nebraska tradition of releasing helium balloons at home games gets shelved in favor of the environment?
  • A Buckeye game without Script Ohio? Without TBDBITL performing magical wonders at halftime? Yeah, things are going to feel weird.
  • Scott Frost Doppelganger? Yes/no? Remember Todd from Breaking Bad?

  • I have to admit, I’m really concerned about the Big Ten’s ability to get through a season without disruption because of the coronavirus. There’s not much room for error when it comes to the College Football Playoff and some teams aren’t going to be as motivated to do the right things off the field. I hope I’m wrong.
  • More things I’m interested to see in game one.
    • What wrinkles have been added to the playbook?
    • How will the defensive backfield hold up?
    • Is Zach Harrison going to breakout in 2020?
    • Will Justin Fields beat opponents by shooting laser beams out his backside this year? That’s really all that’s missing from his skillset.
  • It’s great to have football back. Now, let’s have a game!

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Three reasons Nebraska could make it a game Saturday

Ohio State and Nebraska are set to do battle at Noon Saturday. Here are 3 reasons the ‘Huskers could give the Buckeyes a game.

Ohio State is set to break open the seal on the football season Saturday and everyone is excited to see what the Buckeyes are able to do. The team is once again expected to contend for some pretty special things, and a struggling Nebraska team looks to be just a speedbump in the way.

However, these things often do not play out like we expect on paper, and there can be reasons to believe the game in the ‘Shoe on Saturday will be closer than many anticipate — especially in a 2020 year that has brought us the unexpected across all angles of life.

Can Nebraska make this a game? Is there any chance of pulling off a shocking upset to send shockwaves through the college football universe? It’s not likely, but here are three reasons the Cornhuskers could make life difficult for Ohio State.

NEXT … Adrian Martinez

BetMGM updates Ohio State vs. Nebraska odds prior to kickoff

Ohio State opened up as a huge favorite over Nebraska early in the week per BetMGM. The line has moved even more in the Buckeyes’ favor.

Earlier in the week, Ohio State opened up as a heavy, heavy favorite against Nebraska. In fact, the popular sportsbook website BetMGM installed the Buckeyes as a -24.5 favorite over the Cornhuskers. And while that seems like an awful steep line for a game against a tradition-rich Nebraska squad, the line has now adjusted even more in the Buckeyes’ favor.

Just one day prior to kickoff, Ohio State is now favored by -26.5 points. It’s a huge number, but the fact that the line has moved even more tells you that many think the 2020 version of this Buckeye squad is going to be an absolute monster.

Looking for some action on this game or others? Place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM in CO, IN, NJ and WV. Bet now!

Get the complete rundown of all the Big Ten and national college football games by visiting the BetMGM Sportsbook and getting in on the action.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Justin Fields could enter the Heisman race in earnest on Saturday vs. Nebraska

Justin Fields is currently sitting in third for the Heisman odds, starting Saturday he will remind everyone he should be in the top two.

With college football having already started and the Ohio State football team waiting to play its first game, the Heisman odds have shifted to place Justin Fields in third across most expert sites. That changes Saturday. Currently, Fields is in third after Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones according to most.

Without having played a game, Fields in third isn’t all that upsetting, but a great showing on Saturday will probably catapult him into better odds. A few games in and Fields should leapfrog Jones and start closing in on Lawrence. There are a lot of people who have the Clemson quarterback far and away the favorite, but Fields has all the tools to push Lawrence.

That push starts Saturday with Fields against a feisty, albeit outmatched, Nebraska. It should provide the Buckeye gunslinger an opportunity to put on a show. With Ohio State’s defense likely to show up strong, Fields won’t have to do as much except play within the game itself. I could see him throwing for 250 yards and four TDs and adding another 65 on the ground with the possibility of hitting paydirt on the ground.

Ohio State should dominate Nebraska and Fields will probably not play late into the fourth as the game will be over early. Regardless, Fields will do more than enough to remind everyone he is a front-runner for the Heisman. Yes, the race for the bronze statue really begins tomorrow.

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Ohio State vs. Nebraska 2020 Buckeyes Wire staff predictions

Ohio State is all set to host the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Noon Saturday. Our three writers provide their predictions for the game.

Here we go Buckeyes fans. After an offseason of drama and despair, one that looked like Ohio State and Big Ten football wasn’t going to happen, we are to the point where the season is right on the doorstep knocking on the door to get in.

Ohio State breaks the seal on the very much delayed — but very much real –campaign Saturday at Noon against Nebraska. We think this team is going to be another one that can contend for not only a fourth straight Big Ten championship but a national title. We just don’t know though until we see the team on the field.

Nebraska is in a very different place, one in which it just hopes to get things back to a respectable level in the third season of head coach and former player Scott Frost.

All of that out of the way, each week we ask our writers here at Buckeyes Wire to provide their predictions on the game. Here’s how each of the three writers believe this one plays out Saturday afternoon.

Next … the predictions

Ohio State vs. Nebraska: How and where to watch and listen to the game Saturday, October 24

All the information you need to watch and listen to Ohio State vs. Nebraska at Noon on Saturday.

The wait is finally over Ohio State fans! Football is back in Columbus as the Buckeyes welcome Nebraska to town to kick off what we all hope to be a championship run.

There will be many questions to answer. Who will emerge as the clear No. 1 running back? Will the defense be able to replace three first-round NFL draft picks? Can Justin Fields be even better than his outstanding 2019 campaign?

We’ll find out Saturday at noon. If you’re wanting to watch or listen, but don’t know how, we’ve got all the details you need to know below. Time to see what the 2020 edition of Ohio State Football looks like.

Basic info

When: Saturday, October 24 @ Noon Eastern

Where: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH)

How to watch/listen:

Broadcast: FOX

Live Streaming: FOX Sports App

Radio: IMG Radio Network

City…………………………………….AM/FM DIAL
Akron………………………………..WAKR-AM 1590
Archbold………………………….. WMTR-FM 96.1
Ashtabula………………………… WFUN-AM 970
Bellefontaine…………………….. WBLL-AM 1390
Bellefontaine……………………..WPKO-FM 98.3
Bryan………………………………. WBNO-FM 100.9
Bryan………………………………..WQCT-AM 1520
Bucyrus……………………………. WQEL-FM 92.7
Bucyrus…………………………… WBCO-AM 1540
Cambridge…………………………..WILE-FM 97.7
Canton…………………………….. WHBC-AM 1480
Celina………………………………WCSM-FM 96.7
Celina…………………………….. WCSM-AM 1350
Chillicothe…………………………WBEX-AM 1490
Cincinnati………………………… WDJO-AM 1480
Cleveland …………………………WKNR-AM 850
Columbus…………………………WBNS-AM 1460
Columbus………………………….WBNS-FM 97.1
Coshocton …………………………WTNS-FM 99.3
Dayton ……………………………..WING-AM 1410
Delaware ………………………….WDLR-AM 1550
Dover ……………………………….WJER-AM 1450
Elyria………………………………..WEOL-AM 930
Findlay …………………………….. WFIN-AM 1330
Fremont…………………………….WOHF-FM 92.1
Fostoria …………………………….WFOB-AM 1430
Hillsboro …………………………WSRW-AM 1590
Ironton …………………………….. WIRO-AM 1230
Jackson…………………………….WYRO-FM 98.7
Kenova/Huntington …………….WTCR-AM 1420
Kenton………………………………WKTN-FM 95.3
Lancaster ………………………… WLOH-AM 1320
Lima ……………………………….. WIMA-AM 1150
Mansfield………………………. WMAN-AM 1400
Marietta………………………….WMOA-AM 1490
Marion ……………………………WMRN-AM 1490
Marysville …………………………WQTT-AM 1270
McConnelsville …………………WJAW-FM 100.9
Middleport ………………………..WYVK-FM 92.1
Millersburg ……………………… WKLM-FM 95.3
Mt. Vernon ………………………WMVO-AM 1300
Napoleon ………………………… WNDH-FM 103.1
Nelsonville………………………..WSEO-FM 107.7
Newark ……………………………..WCLT-AM 1430
Norwalk …………………………… WLKR-FM 95.3
Painesville………………………..WABQ-AM 1460
Paulding ……………………………WKSD-FM 99.7
Piqua……………………………… WPTW-AM 1570
Portsmouth………………………. WNXT-AM 1260
Portsmouth…………………………WZZZ-FM 107.5
Sandusky…………………………..WLEC-AM 1450
Sidney……………………………..WMVR-FM 105.5
Steubenville ………………………WCDK-FM 106.3
Toledo ……………………………… WLQR-FM 106.5
Toledo ………………………………WLQR-AM 1470
Uhrichsville ……………………….WBTC-AM 1540
Upper Sandusky ………………… WYNT-FM 95.9
Van Wert………………………….. WERT-AM 1220
Wash. C.H. ………………………..WCHO-FM 105.5
Waverly…………………………….. WXIZ-FM 100.9
Wheeling …………………………. WVLY-AM 1370
Wooster …………………………… WQKT-FM 104.5
Wooster ………………………….. WKVX-AM 960
Youngstown ………………………WBBG-FM 106.1
Youngstown ………………………WNIO-AM 1390
Zanesville…………………………. WHIZ-AM 1240

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Ohio State vs. Nebraska enemy territory Big Ten opener preview. Get to know the Cornhuskers

Ohio State is back in action finally Saturday and it’s taking on Nebraska. Here’s everything you need to know about the Cornhuskers.

Before every game, we provide a preview of Ohio State football’s opponent for the upcoming week. It’s just an eight-game regular season during this COVID-19 shortened season with a ninth “championship week” and whatever postseason comes about.

In week one, it’s a familiar foe/ally in the Nebraska Cornhuskers. It’s awfully convenient the conference decided to pit the two programs that were the most vocal of any in the conference when it came to fighting for a season on the docket for week one. But here we are. The ‘Huskers are a traditional college football power but are still looking to return to that glory of yesteryear. It’ll be a tall order to try and knock off an Ohio State team that should be a monster again in 2020.

But regardless, it’s our job to tell you all you need to know about Nebraska and what to look for. So, if you want to impress your friends while watching the game, we’ve got your cheat code right here. We do the research, you drop nuggets. You win on Saturdays. It’s as simple as that.

Next … Nebraska all-time vitals

Three keys for an Ohio State victory over Nebraska

Ohio State takes on Nebraska at high noon in the ‘Shoe on Saturday. Here are three keys to a Buckeyes victory in game one.

We are just one day away from the much-anticipated start of the Ohio State and Big Ten football season. The fact that we are here is quite amazing when you look back at it all, but don’t pinch yourself, you’re not dreaming.

Nothing would spoil the anticipation and wait more though than a loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers at high noon on FOX. It can’t just be a show up and let the talent do its work type of affair. With so much time off, the Buckeyes have to have a solid game plan and go out and execute to start the season on the right foot.

As is customary, we give you three keys to an Ohio State victory. Time to set it off …

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NEXT … Hit the ground running

Watch what Nebraska head coach Scott Frost said about Ohio State prior to the matchup

Ohio State is ready to welcome Nebraska on Saturday. Watch what Scott Frost said about the Buckeyes in previewing the game this week.

Believe it or not, we’re on the doorstep of the start of the Big Ten football season. For Ohio State, that means Nebraska is coming to down for a noon showdown in the ‘Shoe on Saturday and its head coach Scott Frost.

Each week we try to bring you the comments of the opposing coaches leading up to and after the game and it’s no different here, especially as a season that looked like it wasn’t going to happen is now about to occur. Nebraska and Ohio State were tied to the hip in this fight for reinstating the season, and now they get to square off in game one.

Frost met with the media on a Zoom call earlier this week to discuss Ohio State and where things stand with his team. If you want to listen to the entire press conference and get an idea of what he said about the Buckeyes, click on the below link shared by the Omaha World Herald YouTube channel.

In it, Frost expresses gratitude for Ohio State’s efforts to reinstate the Big Ten season, discusses the skill of OSU, how excited his team is for the season, and much more.

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Nebraska head coach Scott Frost “grateful for Ohio State” in bringing back Big Ten season

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost expressed extreme gratitude for Ohio State’s efforts in moving the Big Ten to reinstate fall football.

Sometimes you make allies in places you least expect because of circumstances beyond your control. In the case of Ohio State and Nebraska, both programs were in lockstep when it came to fighting for the Big Ten season in 2020. It looked bleak for quite some time, but things turned around largely because of the efforts of coaches, players, and parent groups in both Columbus and Lincoln.

That wasn’t lost on Nebraska head coach Scott Frost either. As instrumental as Nebraska was, he believes there wouldn’t be a Big Ten fall season without the hard work of many from Ohio State, and he wasn’t afraid to express his gratitude for those at the university help turn the sentiment in the Big Ten.

“We’re grateful to Ohio State,” Frost said during a Zoom conference call Monday. “It’s strange where you find allies in certain things, and I think we had an ally in Ohio State to try to get the season played. I don’t think it would have got done without Dr. Borchers there, without Ryan Day continuing to push it, Gene Smith continuing to push it.”

When asked again about how he felt about Nebraska’s efforts including a player lawsuit and Frost’s outspoken desire to play a season, even if elsewhere, the Nebraska head man agreed, but then continued to shine the light on Ohio State’s efforts.

“I gotta give most of the credit for this to Ohio State,” Frost said. “We might have been one of the sounding gongs in this, we’re saying we want to play, but I don’t think it would have got done without their doctor taking the lead, figuring out a way to present it to the presidents to get football back. Dr. Borchers deserves a lot of credit for this. I think they did a good job at Ohio State kind of bringing it all together and presenting a plan that allowed us to get back to doing what we probably should have been doing all the time.”

With all of that in mind, Frost even went as far as to lay claim to being a Buckeye fan the rest of the season after Saturday.

“I’m going to root for them in every single game except this first one,” Frost said. “Because I’m grateful to them for going shoulder and shoulder and fighting to get (the season) back. Our kids are excited to play, we’re excited to play, and there’s been a lot of moments where I didn’t think we’d get here.”

So there you have it. Scott Frost’s second team is now one wearing Scarlet and Gray. We’re just happy that the football was able to safely return. However, there’s sure to be plenty of Ohio State fans that will also be rooting for corn and farm equipment the rest of the year.