Will Howard throws for 3 touchdowns, but No. 4 Ohio State is sloppy in 21-17 win over Nebraska
- Ohio State narrowly defeated Nebraska 21-17 with critical plays in the fourth quarter.
- The Buckeyes struggled offensively, converting only 1 of 10 third downs and relying heavily on their defense.
- The win preserved Ohio State's home winning streak against unranked teams for the past ten years.
In a college football game held on October 26, 2024, No. 4 Ohio State secured a narrow 21-17 victory against Nebraska in Columbus, Ohio. Despite Will Howard's impressive performance that included three touchdown passes, the Buckeyes faced challenges throughout the game, converting only 1 of 10 third downs and punting five times. Nebraska took the lead in the fourth quarter after a 1-yard run followed by a two-point conversion, pushing them ahead 17-14. However, Ohio State responded with a touchdown pass by Howard to Quinshon Judkins, reclaiming the lead with just over six minutes remaining. Ohio State's defense played a crucial role in the win, highlighted by an interception from Jordan Hancock that sealed the victory with less than two minutes left on the clock. Nebraska, with a record of 5-3, showed improvement compared to their previous game, but ultimately fell short of bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. The Cornhuskers' head coach praised his defense, noting they only faltered on a few plays. Despite lacking explosive offensive plays, the Buckeyes managed to avoid their first defeat at home in a decade against an unranked opponent, maintaining momentum in the competitive Big Ten. With injuries sidelining key players for Ohio State—specifically safety Lathan Ransom and tight end Will Kacmarek—the team’s performance highlighted their resilience. The Buckeyes are set to face No. 3 ranked Penn State next, making the upcoming match a critical juncture in their season.