Ohio State Buckeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini

The Buckeyes bounced back from the devastating loss to USC with a resounding 38-0 thrashing of Toledo.  The Rockets and their high flying offense was no match for the Ohio State’s powerful defensive line.  Cameron Heyward dominated the line of scrimmage forcing Toledo QB Aaron Opelt into errant throws. 

Ohio State opens the Big Ten season against Illinois and nemesis QB Juice Williams.  The Illini have gotten off to slow start with a 37-9 loss against Missouri and a cup cake win over Illinois State.  The Illini are coming off a bye week so they should be well prepared and rested for the Buckeyes.

Prediction:  Juice Williams and the spread offense in general have given the Buckeyes headaches in the past but this is a different Ohio State defense.  The Juice won’t get loose as Heyward, Gibson and Rolle control Williams and dominate the line of scrimmage.  The Illini defense will not be able to handle QB Terrelle Pryor as he will make big plays often.  Ohio State 44 Illinois 20

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