‘Punched us in the mouth’: Huskers prep for potent Buckeyes, after blowout loss to Indiana

LINCOLN, Neb. - No two ways about it, Nebraska’s defensive performance against Indiana was their worst of the season.

From giving up their first rushing touchdown and allowing nearly 500 yards of total offense, Defensive Coordinator Tony White described some of Nebraska’s defensive schemes as “completely stupid.” However, White also says Nebraska got right back at it for a physical Tuesday practice.

“They went out and practiced their ass off,” White said. “These guys do what you ask them to do. I have to direct the ship the right way.”

The Hoosier offense averaged nearly eight yards per play against the Big Red, totaling 495 yards in their 56-7 win. Fair to say defensive backs Marques Buford Jr and Isaac Gifford weren’t pleased with the result, but are aimed at righting the ship ahead of Columbus.

“It didn’t feel like our standard of play… That was the most disappointing thing for us, but right now we’re focusing on getting it fixed and making sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Through the first six games of the season, Nebraska was the only remaining team in college football to not allow a rushing touchdown, but that went by the way side against Indiana who scored five times on the ground. Now, the Huskers face off with Ohio State who sits second in rushing offense. Defensive lineman Nash Hutmacher says the Blackshirts are ready for the challenge. 

“We’re excited,” Hutmacher said. “With the weapons they have on offense, we’re just super excited to get out there and play against those guys.”

Ohio State enters as the second ranked offense in the Big Ten, behind Indiana. Ryan Day’s group enters at 5-1, fresh off a bye week, with their lone loss a 32-31 defeat at the hands of #1 Oregon two weeks ago.

 

Kick off is set for 11:00 a.m. CT on Saturday.