Ohio State vs. Illinois Preview

The 'preseason' of Ohio State's schedule is over and winter is coming fast. Instead of white walkers, the buckeyes are looking toward a November battling the two top 25 ranked Michigan teams. But before that excitement really hits home, the Buckeyes are headed out west for a match up with the Fighting Illini of Illinois. While this isn't the Illinois of old, see Nathan Scheelhaase and Mikel Leshoure, this is still a talented team with a legit QB and multiple WRs. It should be a fun game up in Champagne.

Keys to the Game

Attack, Attack, Attack

This should be Ohio State's goal across the board as a team. In every phase of the game, look for Ohio State to bring the heat against Illinois and test them to see if they can hang. My guess is not. I think this will be especially important for JT Barrett and the offense as a whole. Some of these guys have never started or played in games in Champagne, and while it isnt an intimidating environment it is very different from most anywhere else, Coming back after his suspension, JT will need help from his coordinators to keep his confidence high throughout the game, especially early. Look for 10-12 passes from JT by the early 2nd. I have the feeling hat this could be a career passing day for JT

Prevent the home run

I feel like this one could be said every game but not every opponent Ohio State plays has the capability to hit a home run ball over the top; that's not the case this week. Wes Lunt is more than capable, and most likely will, take shots against the Buckeye secondary which has been pretty darn good this year but is struggling with depth issues. If Damon Webb is on the filed for any extended time look for the Illini passing attack to get vertical against him. This Ohio State defense will be more than happy to give up short ticky tacky routes because no one can score with their offense. But, a home run or two and the Illini could be right in the thick of things

Unleash the Jet Sweep

Hey look at that, an easy plug for the blog. But really though, I think this week could be one where the Buckeyes clearly have an athletic and speed edge over their opponent, Therefore, I expect to see a heavy dose of the jet sweep from Jalin Marshall, Braxton Miller, and Curtis Samuel. This play was Jalin's bread and butter late last season but Ohio State has seemed to phase it out as of late in favor of more direct snaps to Miller. These have been pretty abysmal, stay a few long runs, but if they still want to get Miller the ball on the edge why not break out the jet sweep.

Players of the Game

Joey Bosa

I know....I'm really going out on a limb on this one but I expect a lot from Bosa this afternoon. The rest of the defensive line is good enough to where teams cant simply double Bosa and try to block everyone else one on one. The Illini could be dropping back a lot this afternoon and looking deeper downfield meaning Lunt will need a lot of time. That's where Bosa fits in

Expectation: 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Jalin Marshall

Marshall has been so close on a few punts this season that he is going to break one eventually, today could be that day. Especially with how poor of a job the Illini punting has been this season, only averaging a net of 33 yards. On offense look for Marshall and Miller to be utilized similarly on jet sweeps and deep balls.

Expectation: 7 catches for 120 and 1 TD (including jet sweeps)

Game Prediction

 I'm looking at this game today as a big statement game for the Buckeyes, something they have been missing this season. The conditions in Champagne look favorable which is important considering the awful wind pattern that stadium usually gets. For that reason look for JT to air it out early and often. I expect a first drive touchdown out of Elliot on a short run after a long drive. Look for Lunt to test the Buckeye defense early and have some success, eventually getting the Illini close enough for a field goal. However that may be the extent of points for the Illini for some time. Look for JT to hit a home run to Braxton Miller on a wheel route extending the Buckeye lead to 14-3. Later in the second, Das Boot comes out and knocks down a 45 yarder bring the game to 17-3 at half. In the first drive for the Illini in the second expect a sack on a important third down by Bosa. The subsequent punt will be returned by Marshall 70 yards to push the lead to 24-3. Later in the quarter Elliot and the offensive line will begin to break the Illini defense and either Ellliot or JT will take a read option play 65 yards to the house, 31-3. Finally, in the fourth quarter look for a Wes Lunt pass to finally break the Buckeye defense and give them their first TD. Eventually thought, Bosa will have his strip sack leading to another passing TD for JT.

Final: Ohio State 45 Illinois 10