Ohio State Football: Week 7 predictions for Nebraska game

Weekly predictions for Ohio State vs. Nebraska.

Last week I took over the lead in our Scarlet And Game predictions at the midpoint of the regular season schedule. My record now stands at 3-2-1 over my buddy Thomas Scurlock.

I will attempt to stretch my winning streak to three games as Ohio State goes on the road to play Nebraska. Will I stay on my roll or will Tom get me this week? See which one of our predictions you tend to agree with.

Thomas Scurlock:

For two straight weeks, Big Ten East opponents have failed to show up against Ohio State. While that is good for the Buckeyes, it continues to punish me in the weekly prediction standings.

I guess I just had too much faith that coach Meyer’s former coaches would know how to put up a fight to keep the game close, at least for a half.

What is evident is the Buckeyes are finding their groove. The defense is playing a high level and the offense is clicking.

Now comes another road night game against a traditionally strong opponent in a typically hostile environment.

Meyer’s team have enjoyed success against Nebraska, including last year’s 62-3 blowout and the 63-38 win in 2012. He has yet to take a team into Lincoln.

Will playing on the road matter? It shouldn’t because the Cornhuskers are a decent team, but nothing stands out as a strength except their secondary.

Offensively, Kevin Wilson has been tooling with the passing game over the last four weeks and the kinks seemed to be ironed out.

J.T. Barrett is utilizing eight different receivers consistently keeping defenses off-balance. He is seeing the field well and the offensive line is giving him the protection he needs so he can distribute.

Nebraska’s defense ranks No. 61 against the run allowing 147 yards-per-game. It is No. 47 in passing yards allowed giving up 207 per game. The secondary is opportunistic though having intercepted seven passes so far.

Wisconsin pounded the ball on the ground last week against Nebraska. Does coach Wilson use the same game plan? I think he sticks with the same formula that’s been working. Mix it up to get his speed on the edges and then utilize J.K. Dobbins to pound them on the ground.

On defense, not much will change. Nebraska will have to throw the ball to win. The line will bring constant pressure on Tanner Lee to force him into mistakes. He’s prone to interceptions and the backend should have plenty of opportunities to make plays. I think they get a couple on Saturday night.

How this game plays out depends on how they start the game. I expect the Buckeyes to come out fast like they have over the last few games and cruise to a comfortable victory heading into the bye week with momentum.

Buckeyes win 44-16.

Charlie Lockhart:

More from Scarlet and Game

Tom has been pretty much right on the money when it comes to the Ohio State defense lately, and I think he is again this week. But my friend hasn’t bought into the new-look Kevin Wilson offense like I have, and this why I will have my third consecutive victory this week.

I think with Nebraska playing at home, the Cornhuskers may get off to a good start and score early. They will probably score a couple of more times after that as the Buckeyes’ second team defense will be on the field much of the second half.

That’s because Ohio State will put up 50+ points again. It could be slow sledding at first playing on the road in front of a raucous crowd but the Buckeye offense will roll.

Urban Meyer will put the pedal to the metal all game. He will want to have his team feeling good about themselves heading into the bye week. He will also want to see what the Buckeyes need to work on during their layoff to prepare for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

I have this game as a 55-17 win for Ohio State.

Next: AP Top 10: Picking against the spread week 7

There you have it, our Scarlet And Game predictions for week 7. Can Tom get back in the win column, or will I continue on a roll. Which one of us do you side with this week?

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