Stephen Leonard
Writer
After a 34-16 win, the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes move to 6-0 and 3-0 in the Big Ten. The game started exactly as I would’ve written it up. Ohio State comes out passing and dominates the Illinois Fighting Illini (5-2, 2-2) early on. Okay, I would have written it with a touchdown on the opening drive. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline dialed up a pass to start the game and continued pressuring the Illini through the air.
For the game, Ohio State scored 21 points off three turnovers. This elite defense scored off a fumble and an interception in the first half and off another fumble in the 2nd half.
They mixed in a ground attack to balance the scheme, finishing the game with 166 yards passing and 106 yards rushing. The Illinois defense couldn’t get comfortable, and the pass-first approach opened the run just as a vocal majority of Buckeye Nation clamored to see. The identity of the Buckeyes’ offense is now established: pass to open the run.
The first half was a complete domination on the scoreboard, and after that, the game was never in question. Speaking of domination, I have to mention this defense. This is the engine that drives this team. Not only did the Silver Bullets hold the Illini to only 3 points in the first half, but they held the Illini to a field goal after starting 1st and goal from the two-yard line.
While Matt Patricia’s defense gained points off turnovers, it gave up some amazing streaks. It took the sixth game of the season to give up double-digit points and the first rushing touchdown.
After allowing two touchdowns in the second half, equaling the total touchdowns allowed through the first five games, this scoring defense took a hit. Now the scoring defense is giving up an almost pedestrian 6.83 points per game. In all seriousness, that is elite, and the Buckeyes will remain first in the nation.
Offensively, opponents aren’t willing to take any chances with the receiving threat Ohio State showcases, and the Illini were no exception today. Illinois was dropping the defensive backs and continuing to play to keep everything in front of them. While Julian Sayin didn’t complete 80% of his passes, he was cool, calm, and collected. Super Sayin hit his check-downs and read his progressions well, throwing for 166 yards with 2 TDs and completing 70.4% on 19 of 27 attempts.
Ryan Day’s Buckeyes are now in the driver’s seat for the Big Ten Championship. Halfway through the regular season, they are perfect in record and look like the most dominant team in the nation. Today, they bring home the Illibuck, tomorrow, it’s on to Wisconsin.
2026 4-star EDGE Dre Quinn has committed to Ohio State. Quinn was previously committed to Clemson. Quinn currently attends Buford High School, a powerhouse that has seen a long line of Division 1 athletes, including Ohio State defensive lineman Eddrick Houston. Quinn finished his junior season with 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. […]
Stephen Leonard
Writer
Jeremiah Smith wasn’t dominating defenders as usual; he was dominating the pregame buzz. Listed as questionable, his status sent shockwaves through the Buckeye faithful. Compounding the worries, his counterpart on the other side of the hash marks, Carnell Tate, was held out for a second week in a row. Turned out Smith played sparingly, and […]
2027 4-star safety Eli Johnson has committed to Ohio State, according to Hayes Fawcett. The Texas native chose the Buckeyes over Oklahoma, Texas, and Michigan. Johnson ranks as the No. 114 overall recruit and the No. 14 overall safety in the class of 2027. Johnson, who was in Columbus for a gameday visit, announced his […]
