#13 Nebraska vs. Ohio State: Game Preview

Nebraska heads to Columbus riding an emotional high after a historic 14-0 start and a statement win over No. 9 Michigan State. Now comes the comedown. Ohio State returns home looking to respond after a recent top 25 loss, with matchup edges that favor the Buckeyes on both ends of the floor. Nebraska has thrived offensively, but defensive cracks begin to show away from home, especially inside. This game marks just the Cornhuskers' second true road test of the season. With tempo, physicality, and focus, Ohio State has a chance to control the game and hand Nebraska its first loss.

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#13 Nebraska vs. Ohio State Odds

Can Bruce Thornton lead the Buckeyes to a win over the Cornhuskers?

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Spread

Nebraska: +1.5 (-122)

Ohio State: -1.5 (+100)

Total

Over: 154.5 (-115)

Under: 154.5 (-105)

Moneyline

Nebraska: -105

Ohio State: -114

#13 Nebraska vs. Ohio State Bet

The Big Ten is drunk, as the cool kids would say. Indiana football is undefeated at 14-0, and now Nebraska basketball is 14-0 after taking down No. 9 Michigan State on Friday. This marks the first time in school history that the Cornhuskers have started a season 14-0. After their 58 to 56 win over the Spartans, the Cornhusker faithful stormed the court in celebration of not only a top ten victory, but also a historic achievement. It was beautiful, but it comes with a price. I will be fading them on Monday night in Columbus.

System Play

I live by a code. If you storm a field or a court, I will be fading the team that stormed in their following game. The code also applies to players crying after games that are not the national championship, but that does not apply here. We are taking Ohio State in this spot after Nebraska's massive emotional win on Friday.

This matchup will also mark the second true road game of the season for Nebraska. Their first was a three point win over Illinois on December 13, when they were 9.5-point road dogs. Outside of that, they have only played three other games away from home.

In those four games, the Cornhuskers offense has not been an issue, but their defense does show some flaws. Their eFG% defense drops to 266th, they are second worst in block percentage, and they cannot defend the interior. On top of that, offensively they are 32nd worst in offensive rebounding. The Buckeyes should be able to take full advantage of these flaws on Monday night. Ohio State so far this season ranks top ten in two point percentage, offensive block percentage, and free throw percentage. At home, they are 44th in defensive rebounding, so they should be able to limit Nebraska's second chance opportunities.

Ohio State does have to head west after this matchup to take on Oregon and Washington starting on Thursday. However, with the Buckeyes losing their last top 25 matchup, they should be fully focused on the task at hand and looking to hand Nebraska its first loss of the season.

Side Bet

I will also be adding Buckeye guard Bruce Thornton over 17.5 points to my card. The four year senior is the heartbeat of this Ohio State team, leading the way at 20.9 points per game. Against top 100 teams, he is averaging 18 points per game. The ball will always be in his hands, especially if the Buckeyes fall behind at any point.

As mentioned earlier, this will be the Cornhuskers' second true road game of the season. In their four road and neutral games, Nebraska ranks 22nd worst at defending the interior. The Buckeyes at home are ranked third in the country in two point percentage. If Thornton can attack the rim and exploit Nebraska's weaknesses, he should be in a great spot for another 20 point performance, something he has already done six times this season.