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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Faced with the possibility of going another game without an interception, Bradley Roby channeled his inner Owen Nolan on Saturday.

While Roby's two interceptions in Ohio State's 63-38 win over Nebraska weren't hardly as impressive as the shot Nolan called before firing the puck past Dominik Hasek in the 1997 NHL All-Star Game, the sophomore cornerback said he felt a big game coming.

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Andrew Weber/US PresswireBradley Roby's second interception gave the Buckeyes the spark they needed to rout Nebraska.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Roby watched film, told those listening that he saw a couple routes he could take advantage of and was looking forward to snaring an interception.

A defensive playmaker this season, Roby has scored a touchdown after a fumble recovery in the end zone and has thrown his body in front of a punt. He is also the architect of more breakups than a high school homecoming.

Yet the one thing that eluded him this season was an interception.

"Roby was amazing tonight," linebacker Ryan Shazier said. "He had a lot of big breakups and two interceptions.

"I know he was excited that the first interception was a touchdown, and then he got his second one. His play was amazing."

Roby jumped the route for his first pick, going 41 yards untouched for the first points of the game.

"I needed a pick this week," Roby said. "I didn't have one all year. I knew it was a big deal for my team.

"I dreamed about that. I saw it. My dad texted me and was like, 'I had a dream you had a pick six today.' I was like, 'Damn, I'm going to get it. I had the same dream.' When stuff like that happens, it's crazy. I just wanted to make plays for my team."

As strong as Roby's first pick was, his second theft was the one that might have turned things for Ohio State, as the Buckeyes' offense came to life following interception No. 2 after a forgettable first quarter.

Roby picked off Taylor Martinez with 9:43 left before halftime, and two plays later Ohio State had its first lead, 21-17, since he gave the Buckeyes the initial advantage.

"He does it all the time in practice," Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller said. "He finally brought it to the field. After plays like that, you have to score. He brings a whole lot of excitement to the team."

Big games have been something Ohio State has come to expect out of Roby. He ranks in the top five in tackles for the Buckeyes and graded out at 94 percent after the Buckeyes' 17-16 win over Michigan State last week.

It has led to nothing but praise.

"Like I said, I try to do as much as I can," Roby said. "Any way I can help my team, I want us to win every game. I just try to go out and make plays."

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Brad Bournival | email

Reporter, BuckeyeNation

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• Reporter for BuckeyeNation
• Covers Ohio State recruiting
• Joined ESPN in 2012