The Battle for the Illibuck Trophy: Ohio State vs. Illinois
Tomorrow at 12 p.m. EST, Ohio State will take on Illinois at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champagne, Illinois. This game is going to be intense due to the way teams are dropping like flies whenever they come in contact with the Buckeyes or the Fighting Illini. Both teams will have to be alert and maintain their defense throughout the whole game. With both teams boasting aggressive defensive units, Ohio State's suffocating front seven and Illinois' veteran-led secondary, every snap could be a battle for inches, not for yards.
After crushing Purdue 43-27, Illinois is entering with confidence. Illinois' defense holds its own. Last game, they only allowed 302 passing yards and 151 rushing yards. Illinois can keep games competitive with its defense, especially with strong lineman play and few standout secondary pieces. Just like the explosive DL James Thompson Jr and DL Curt Neal, who hold the defense together, making sure Illinois keeps every team they face at bay.
On top of having a strong defense, the Fighting Illini offense does more than just cover the field. Per game, they average 267.2 passing yards and 135.2 rushing yards, demonstrating a balanced offensive approach that keeps teams guessing. Their aerial attack, led by quarterback Luke Altmyer with his 73.6% completion rate and 10.6 yards per attempt. Unfortunately, Illinois had its downfalls last game. If the Fighting Illini expect to do well against a team like Ohio State, they will need to stay focused and execute with precision. That means minimizing penalties, protecting the ball, and maintaining composure under pressure.
Ohio State, entering 5-0, has more than luck on its side. Ohio’s defense is ranked first in the nation. Last game, they only allowed 24 points, 173 passing yards, and 61 rushing yards. This is due to Ryan Day's great coaching strategy. The team's adaptability and depth have been crucial, with players stepping up from previous seasons and contributing to their success. Great team players like DB Caleb Downs, who pulls all the stops, and WR Jeremiah Smith, who averages 463 yards per game.
The Buckeyes also have an outstanding offense that has been able to drive them through the last five games. Their offense averages 279.8 passing yards, 171.6 rushing yards per game, and 12.6 passing first downs. This is due to Ohio's standout QB Julian Sayin with an 80.2% completion rate and the ability to dominate the ground game whenever he's on the field. Sadly, every team has its faults. Ohio allowed a 78.3% completion rate in the last game against Washington. While not alarming, they only forced two interceptions in one game, suggesting limited ball-hawking ability. If Ohio State wants to take out Illinois, Ohio will have to up its game.
The rivalry between Illinois and Ohio State has been going on for 123 years, so whoever wins this game won't only have bragging rights but yet another victory against a hated team. The last time Ohio State played Illinois was November 1st, 2024, where Ohio State took them down 38-0. This season, Illinois has an actual fighting chance if they maintain their offense and minimizes penalties. However, Ohio State has a higher probability of winning because their defense is ranked first in the nation, and they are undefeated at 5-0. In an eternal rivalry, I’m taking Ohio State over Illinois- it's going to be unnerving until the very end.
