Nov. 16--Illinois has only two games remaining and must win one to become bowl-eligible. Sound familiar? It should. Illinois was in a similar situation last season and succeeded in earning a bowl berth. The 28-3 loss to Ohio State on Saturday was predictable but still put the team in a must-win spot.
Offense
D. Illinois was again fruitless in the red zone, going 0-for-2. The run game stalled, averaging less than a yard per carry. Quarterback Wes Lunt was decent, completing 24 of 47 passes for 241 yards, but that wasn't going to be enough against the Buckeyes' sturdy defense. It was the second time in three games that the Illini did not score a touchdown.
Defense
C+. The defense did its part, holding the Buckeyes to 14 first-half points. The unit didn't give up many big plays, the longest pass going for 24 yards and longest run for 18 yards. But they couldn't keep Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott silent for long. He finished with 181 yards and two touchdowns.
Special teams
F. Where to begin? Illinois fumbled after a bad snap on a field-goal attempt, and V'Angelo Bentley muffed a punt return. Ohio State capitalized for scores after both mistakes. Credit Taylor Zalewski for nailing a 46-yard field-goal attempt early, but a tough 50-yard attempt bounced off the upright.
Coaching
C-. Illinois players are rallying behind interim coach Bill Cubit. But a sputtering offense, despite injuries, doesn't speak well for the offensive coach.
