Ohio State showed some warts on defense against Indiana last weekend, but now it’s time for the next step on the journey towards a Big Ten Championship and potential College Football Playoff berth.
Ohio State travels to Illinois for another Big Ten matchup, and despite some rumors of a mild coronavirus outbreak at OSU, the game appears to still be on.
This is technically a rivalry game where an illibuck trophy is on the line, but let’s be real, this hasn’t been a “rivalry” for a long time. Ohio State has won nine-straight, and Illinois is still trying to compete at a consistent level.
With all that in mind, here are five reasons Ohio State beats the Illini on Saturday at Noon.
NEXT … Redemption
Ohio State wants redemption after last week
Is this season's Ohio State defense like the 2018 version? The Buckeyes say no. More from @brdispatch: https://t.co/3Qud7ae8j4
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) November 25, 2020
The Buckeyes are no doubt tired of hearing how poor they played last week. Not only did almost every single media member knock OSU down a rung, but the College Football Playoff Committee ranked Ohio State at No. 4, behind a one-loss Clemson squad.
But let’s be real — the defense didn’t play up to OSU standards last Saturday and there is a hit to perception that has to be dealt with and Illinois is in the way. Ohio State’s going to come out in this one and look to make a statement, and that’s bad news for Illinois.
NEXT … Illinois’ game plan
The Illini play right into OSU’s defense
Lovie Smith said that even though Ohio State's run defense has been stronger than its pass defense, that's not going to change Illinois' philosophy on offense. “We want to establish the run … we're not going to throw the ball 70 times a game.”
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) November 23, 2020
Indiana had success against the Ohio State defense because it had a quarterback that could sling it around to some pretty good weapons on the outside. But a quick look at the rushing stats for the Hoosiers (-5 yards) tells you all you need to know about the strength of this Buckeye defense.
Illinois is not going to throw the ball all around the yard, that’s just not its modus operandi. Instead, the Illini are going to look to establish the run and that’s going to play right in the hands of Ohio State. We’re not going to see an offensive explosion like Indiana showed us all last week.
Big advantage OSU.
NEXT … The Illini defense
Illinois gives up yards through the air
All glory to the Man above through the ups and down! Gonna get better.. believe that! #4-0
— Justin Fields (@justnfields) November 21, 2020
OK. So the Illini aren’t the worst team in the Big Ten in giving allowing opposing teams to cash in air miles, but it’s not good. Illinois is giving up over 250 passing yards per game and that’s the type of scenario you don’t want when playing against Justin Fields.
Illinois will get after the quarterback a little, but it doesn’t have the aggressive blitz packages the Hoosier employed last week. That means Fields will be able to get his feet set, pick out his talented receivers, and move the ball up and down the field. Illinois just won’t be able to keep up.
NEXT … No home-field advantage
No fans mean no boost for an underdog Illinois squad
#illini Lovie Smith said there's no homefield advantage in college football this year.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) November 23, 2020
The architect of an upset is often a home crowd that gets behind the underdog team that hangs around and hangs around. Then belief and emotion sets in and the crowd gives the team the extra motivation and boost to pull off the upset.
In a COVID-19 world with only family in the stands, that’s not going to happen. Yes, parents can be loud — especially when yelling at little league umpires — but the Illini get no home-field advantage other than sleeping in their own beds and being a part of a routine.
That simply won’t be enough Saturday.
NEXT … The state of the programs
Ohio State is, well — Ohio State. Illinois is … well you know where I’m going.
Ohio State vs. Illinois 2020 Football Preview And Prediction https://t.co/fNOlH6nC01
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) November 23, 2020
These are two programs on the opposite ends of the spectrum and cultivated culture. Ohio State fought for a season in 2020 because it knows it has a chance to do some pretty special things. Illinois is no doubt happy to be playing American football, but it’s not what moves the needle in Champaign.
The Buckeyes have talent littered throughout the roster, much of which will be in the NFL next year and beyond. It’s not like there aren’t good football players on the Illini sideline, it just pales in comparison to what’s going to walk off the bus in all-white uniforms with Buckeye leaves adorned on those silver helmets.
Talent beats less talent more often than not.
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