The Ohio State Buckeyes were supposed to have gotten its wakeup call in losing to Oregon two weeks ago, but Week 9's narrow victory against Nebraska was almost a defining one for the season. With another Big Ten showdown looming at Penn State next week, the Buckeyes' offense slept through a shockingly lackadaisical performance. 

Winning 21-17, the Buckeyes would likely have lost this game if Nebraska freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola had played even marginally better. While the Buckeyes' defense answered the bell despite being handed several disadvantageous starting field positions, the offense was as bad as it has ever been under head coach Ryan Day. 

Ohio State produced just 285 yards, 11 first downs, and converted 1-of-10 third downs. This was as hollow of a win as Day has produced since 2022's Week 11 43-30 win against Maryland or 2021's season opener against Minnesota. 

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The differences between this game and those outings are major, though. The Buckeyes weren't breaking in a first-time starter in C.J. Stroud on the road against a veteran Gophers roster. They also weren't up against Taulia Tagovailoa right before facing off against No. 3 Michigan.

There is truth in saying that a win is a win, and a 5-2 Nebraska team right before going to Happy Valley is a trap game against a solid foe. Surviving right now keeps Day and the Buckeyes more than alive in the College Football Playoff race. That's all that matters to some.

However, others would also be right to see the warning signs of whether this team can survive a brutal upcoming stretch.

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The Cornhuskers aren't as good as their record, and the Buckeyes' offense was fortunate that quarterback Will Howard was able to play a very good game. He completed 13-of-16 passes for 221 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He finally connected on two deep passes despite the gusting wind going through Ohio Stadium, including a 40-yarder to Carnell Tate and a 60-yarder to Jeremiah Scott.

It proved to be quite the slog outside of those two big plays. The offensive line was atrocious without Josh Simmons at left tackle, often seeing drives completely derailed by fill-in Zen Michalski. Michalski suffered an injury in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Luke Montgomery.

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The running game found almost zero space, combining for 64 yards on 31 carries. Chip Kelly's magic in the first month of games was completely lost, as neither Quinshon Judkins nor TreVeyon Henderson had a chance to find a smidge of space. It was a reminder of the constant issue Day has had fielding a quality offensive line throughout his tenure.

For as encouraging as it was to see the defense respond to its performance against Oregon, the offense took three massive steps back. No reprieve is on the horizon, as Abdul Carter and the Nittany Lions will bring hellacious speed and length from everywhere. 

If the Buckeyes can't quickly recalibrate the offense to where it was against Oregon, then next week will be a very difficult task.