Alright, so Nebraska is projected to absolutely roll Ohio this Saturday, with a 35-13 predicted score. Let’s be real, beating a solid MAC team like Ohio isn’t suddenly going to make the Huskers a powerhouse again, but man, it would feel good. This game is huge for setting the tone, kicking off what should be a string of wins that helps the team find its stride early on.
The Frank Solich Showdown and Early Season Stakes
This whole matchup has a cool historical vibe to it, right? It’s literally the “Frank Solich Bowl.” The guy was a legend at Nebraska, going 58-19 in his six years as head coach up to 2003. Then he took over at Ohio in 2005 and crushed it for 16 seasons, pulling off a remarkable 115-82 record. Talk about a coaching legacy! But as good as Ohio has been, their season openers are a struggle, with five losses in their last six. That’s gotta be a mental hurdle for them. For Nebraska, this game, airing Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET on FS1 from Memorial Stadium, is more than just a single W. After this, they’re not exactly playing a gauntlet, hosting Bowling Green and North Dakota before hitting the road for Michigan State. It’s not just about getting past Ohio, it’s about whether this team can start looking like they belong on the same field as Indiana and Oregon come mid-October. If they can’t handle Ohio, then, uh-oh, we got bigger problems.
Ohio’s Run Defense Vs. Nebraska’s Rising Playmakers
So, what are we looking at here? Ohio’s got John Hauser taking the reins full time after a bowl win over UNLV, and their defense, especially against the run, is supposed to be a “bear” this year. Their linebacking corps is reportedly among the deepest and best in the MAC, ready to load up and shut down Nebraska’s ground game. And yeah, Nebraska’s offense last year wasn’t exactly setting the world on fire. They’ve gotta get way better in pass protection, and the ground game needs to be nasty from the jump. But here’s the kicker: Ohio was great when they stuffed runs under 140 yards, but they struggled big time when opponents went over that mark. Last year, as inconsistent as Nebraska’s offense was, they were only held under 140 rushing yards five times! Plus, the Huskers picked up UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea, who’s a good all-around playmaker and can really move the ball. They might not have a ton of superstars, but that ground game should be fine. And on the other side of the ball? With defensive coordinator Rob Aurich coming in from San Diego State, this defense has the potential to be absolutely fantastic.
It’s not going to be a total blowout from the first whistle for Nebraska, but they’ll get it done. The Huskers are gonna lean on that hard-nosed defense to keep Ohio in check, complementing it with an offense that’s efficient enough to put points on the board. They’re clearly not a finished product yet, needing these early “paycheck games” to really get up to speed. But with Ohio having way too many new parts to replace on offense, the Huskers should avoid any major issues and secure that 35-13 victory. They’ve got Bowling Green and North Dakota next, giving them a chance to fine-tune things before the schedule ramps up. Get ready for a solid start to the season, folks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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