The 3-2-1: Redemption
The last time Ohio State traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska, the Buckeyes were heartbroken after squandering a 21-point lead. This time, there is no Joe Bauserman for Ohio State, and a whole different defense.
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The year 2011 seems so very long ago now. Although, most Ohio State fans most likely have erased the memory of that year of issues over tattoos, Luke Fickell growing pains as interim head coach, a lack of true difference makers on defense and, naturally, Joe Bauserman.
Bauserman is remembered mostly for his performance against the Cornhuskers, when he was benched in favor of a young Braxton Miller, who promptly provided a comeback before an injury knocked him out of the game. When Bauserman returned, he completed just one pass, and threw a costly interception before Nebraska completed the comeback win.
Now, six years later, Ohio State has five-straight conference divisional titles and a national championship to boot, and will be returning to Lincoln for the first time since the loss. All eyes will be on J.T. Barrett and the offense, as the weather at kickoff might be less than stellar.
Ohio State does not have a great history recently in poor weather environments, but the chance to finally redeem themselves, the Buckeyes will be hungry to keep the streak of blowout wins alive. As game day approaches, there are still a few things to wrap up.
THREE POST-PRACTICE OBSERVATIONS
1 - An even better defensive line
As if Ohio State needed any improvement on it's defensive line.
After his freak injury in the locker room that gashed open his left leg around the knee, Dre'Mont Jones was seen after Wednesday's practice with no leg wrap, and a protective sleeve for his knee pushed down to his ankle. Although he was wearing an orange jersey signifying no contact, Meyer confirmed he will be ready for Saturday.
On top of the return of Jones, Michael Hill is scheduled to return from suspension against Nebraska.
"I haven’t said much about it, but (Hill) has really handled himself right recently,” Meyer said. “And Dre’Mont, to get him back, he looked great today and yesterday.”
Meyer said he was unsure how much Hill would actually participate with six games missed, and said he will leave that decision up to defensive line coach Larry Johnson.
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