Nebraska football gave No. 4 Ohio State a scare, but a scare was all it was.

The Huskers fell to Columbus 21-17 on Saturday. NU is now 5-3 on the season, while OSU is 6-1.

Nebraska is 0-6 in games played to gain bowl eligibility in the Matt Rhule era. The Huskers have also lost 27 straight games against ranked opponents.

Ohio State led 14-6 in the first half after a pair of big passing plays for touchdowns. John Hohl tied a school record for a field goal in a road game entering the half, hitting a 54-yarder.

The Blackshirts took over from halftime. Ohio State gained just 23 yards in the third quarter, went three-and-out and threw one interception.

Nebraska, meanwhile, added another Hohl field goal in the third quarter. Early in the fourth, the Huskers got a go-ahead touchdown and a two-point conversion to lead 17-14. This was the Big Red’s first lead over an AP top-five opponent in the fourth quarter since the 2009 Big 12 Championship.

But Ohio State answered. The Buckeyes marched 75 yards in eight plays over 4:43 to take a 21-17 lead. After the teams exchanged punts, Nebraska had the ball and a chance to win the game.

Instead, officials continued to make themselves known. On the first play of the drive, Jahmal Banks was called for offensive pass interference. On the next play, Ohio State defenseman Reese Arvell was called for targeting, putting NU in midfield. A false start penalty was promptly imposed.

With just over two minutes to play, offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield went back to the source of passes behind the line of scrimmage. A screen to Emmett Johnson was stopped for a loss of three yards. A swing pass to the right to Johnson lost a yard. Then on 3rd and 19, Dylan Raiola was taken out, allowing the Buckeyes to end the game.

Oiho State totaled 285 yards on the day, barely exceeding Nebraska’s 273. The Buckeyes gained just 64 yards on the ground, while the Huskers ran for 121 yards.

Raiola finished 21-for-32 for 152 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. Buckeyes QB Will Howard went 13-for-16 for 221 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Nebraska was called seven penalties for 62 yards that day, including a pair of offensive pass interference penalties. Ohio State was called five penalties, three of which were accepted for 36 yards. The Buckeyes were not assessed any foul penalties.

NU returns home next Saturday to host UCLA. The Huskers and Bruins kick off at 2:30 PM CDT on the Big Ten Network.

Nebraska athletics notes

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