Let’s get it out of the way: the B1G referees have proven to be as incompetent and corrupt as ever, driven home by an inexcusable goal when Emmett Johnson easily scored a first on 2nd and 2 with less than two minutes to go place in the territory of the State of Ohio.

Nebraska then mismanaged the clock and a very sketchy offensive PI was called for good measure. However, maligned kicker John Hohl with a 39-yarder already under his belt, overcame Satterfield and the B1G Zebra dirt by kicking a 54-yarder on the cannon to keep the Huskers within range trailing 14-6.

The performance was a 180 degree change from the 56-7 debacle in Bloomington last week, culminating with the Blackshirts ready for battle. Yes, they gave up two bombs, including a 60-yarder, to sensational Buckeye frosh Jeremiah Smith – but we won’t be the only ones to see the big numbers on his jersey running away from defenders this season.

Former K-State Wildcat Will Howard is 9-9 for 167 yards and two TDs – is a QB rating of 329.2 good? But he was also constantly put under pressure and was fired once.

Offensively, most of the online heat has been directed, passing Huskers OC Marcus Satterfield and his series of unblocked screens. Raiola is 10-14 for 43 yards in an offense seemingly focused on taking zero chances, especially when the ball is in enemy territory. They won the battle for time of possession, but that can happen if the opponent scores 100 yards and scores both touchdowns in two plays.

The defense just lets it all happen. Can the offense join the fight in the second half?

And no, I don’t talk to the players.

Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images

Nebraska Cornhuskers