Three Ohio State freshmen accomplished firsts in the tight 21-17 victory over Nebraska. Jaylen McClain made his first career start at strong safety, Eddrick Houston played defensive tackle in the base defense for the first time and Jeremiah Smith became the first Buckeye to score a receiving touchdown in seven straight games to start a season.
McClain didn't record a tackle against the Cornhuskers, but he did record the first pass breakup of his young career. During Nebraska's first drive of the second half, the Huskers had 1st-and-10 at their own 29-yard line. Dylan Raiola tried to connect with Jahmal Banks, but McClain made a great break and swatted the ball away from Banks as both players were in mid-air.