Buckeyes ... in a big way

It’s wrong to say Ohio State’s season is wrecked, but the program has been in chaos since August and the next month will determine a lot for the future. Urban Meyer is facing questions about his coaching fate, so take what he says with a grain of salt.

While downplaying reports of health problems, Meyer said Monday he plans to return next season. The Buckeyes’ best defensive player, Nick Bosa, bailed on the team to prepare for the NFL Draft, and Ohio State is aiming to bounce back from a 29-point loss at Purdue on Oct. 20. The Buckeyes (7-1) go to Michigan State on Nov. 10 and wrap up the regular season against Michigan on Nov. 24, so their playoff hopes are still alive. Nebraska has rallied to win its past two games against Bethune-Cookman and Minnesota after opening 0-6. The Cornhuskers have four bigtime weapons — quarterback Adrian Martinez, running back Devine Ozigbo and wide receivers Stanley Morgan Jr. and JD Spielman — capable of exploiting holes in the Buckeyes’ defense.

Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who fired 73 passes in the loss at West Lafayette, Ind., has completed 71 percent of his throws with 30 touchdowns.

Licking their wounds after a bye, the Buckeyes will light up the scoreboard. Ohio State put 56-14 and 62-3 beatings on Nebraska the past two years. The line is high and so is the total (72¹/2), yet this will be high scoring and it’s probably not the week to bet against the Buckeyes.

THE PLAY: Ohio St. -17¹/2.