Greg McElroy believes people are overreacting on Ohio State after tight win over Nebraska

After suffering their first loss of the season to Oregon and coming off a bye week, Ohio State escaped a close game this weekend against Nebraska. Defeating the Cornhuskers narrowly in a 21-17 that has some questioning one of the most talented rosters in college football.

College football analyst Greg McElroy is not one of those people. As he broke down all the angles of Ohio State’s close win and what the game truly says about the Buckeyes.

“Is there a lot to learn about Ohio State’s sluggish performance against Nebraska coming out of the bye week, knowing what’s coming up next week?” McElroy asked. “Probably not. Is it possible that they maybe have been looking a little bit ahead, especially looking at what Nebraska did last week at the hands of Indiana? Was it possible that maybe Ohio State wasn’t all in on this performance? Yeah, I think it is, I think it’s 100% possible. So that’s why I’m not gonna completely wright off the Buckeyes just yet.”

It’s safe to say the Buckeyes’ last two games have been their two most disappointing outings of the season. Highlighted by shortcomings in late-game execution against the Ducks and injuries along the offensive line limiting Ohio State’s offense against the Cornhuskers.

“A lot of people jump into conclusions about how this team has no chance. Not only do they not have a chance next week, but they might not even have a chance against the new Michigan offense that has certainly found its footing after their win this past weekend,” McElroy said. “I think people are overreacting a bit right now as it relates to Ohio State and the challenges that they had last week.”

Saturday’s game could simply represent a perfect storm for the Buckeyes. A team potentially looking ahead to a marquee matchup against Penn State this weekend and Nebraska coming off of a 49-point loss with something to prove.

“Nebraska had just been embarrassed the week before, I mean completely embarrassed by Indiana. That’s a proud program, you knew you were going to get their best shot. You did,” McElroy explained. “Nebraska’s defense is good and has been good all year and when their offense doesn’t put them in difficult spots like they did last week. That group has shined from time to time, and they did.”

“They made life difficult on the Buckeyes, especially on the Buckeyes’ offensive line, but this will be something that we’ll be watching all week long. Because it could play a huge role in who ends up winning the game next week against Penn State.”

Ohio State will look to bounce back and prove they’re still one of the nation’s top teams on the road against No. 3 Penn State this Saturday at noon ET.