Ohio State vs Illinois Preview

Ohio St. Offense vs Illinois Defense


The big question in this game is which Ohio State team is going to show up, and will it be for the whole game? Will is be the Ohio State team from the 1st half of the Nebraska game that looked like vintage Ohio State, or will it be the Ohio State team from the 2nd half of the Nebraska game which we have been seeing all year. The other big question is can Miller make it through the whole game. You can bet Illinois is going to be blitzing a lot and trying to get as many shots on him as they can. The line is going to have to protect him and he is going to need to be careful when running.

What I would like to see: Ohio State coming out playing like they did to start the Nebraska game. I want to see some creative play calling, an offensive line that dominates the line of scrimmage, and Braxton Miller keeping the defense off balance and on their heels. I want to see Miller make it through the game unscathed and keep the offense on the field long enough to give the defense enough rest so they are not gassed in crunch time.

What I expect to see: I expect to see them closer to what we have seen all year than what we saw in the first half at Nebraska. We have always struggled on offense at Illinois, so I would expect this offense to struggle at least as much as those in the past. Illinois' defense is allowing under 3 yards per carry rushing. That is not good for this offense because they are not good enough to move the ball consistently through the air.

Advantage: Illinois Defense

Illinois Offense vs Ohio St. Defense


Illinois has had an explosive and balanced offense this year. Scheelhaase is a good runner and passer, so it will be important for the defense to remain disciplined. Jenkins has been one of the 2 best receivers in the B1G this year, so it will be important to keep him from getting big plays.

What I would like to see: I want to see the defense punish Scheelhaase when he runs. The defensive line needs to come out and dominate like they did against Nebraska in the first half. The linebackers need to play much more disciplined and aggressive than they did against Nebraska. The DB's will keep the receivers of Illinois in front of them all game to prevent the big plays.


What I expect to see: I expect to see our defense struggle in this game. Our linebackers (primarily Sabino) were exposed in the Nebraska and Miami games as being undisciplined, not aggressive, and unable to get off blocks. The defensive backfield has also shown that they can be beat deep, which is not good against Jenkins. Overall, I expect the defense to hold their own, but will give up some big plays.

Advantage: Even

Advantages


QB: Illinois
RB: Ohio State
WR: Illinois
TE: Ohio State
OL: Ohio State
DL: Ohio State
LB: Illinois
DB: Even
Special Teams: Ohio State
Coaching: Illinois


Prediction: Both offenses will come out aggressive and both will be mildly successful to start the game off. Then, I see the defenses settling down and dominating the middle parts of the game. Illinois has been weak on special teams, so Ohio State will need to get a few big returns and keep Illinois from getting any good returns. I expect the Ohio State offense to get an early lead and the special teams to keep them ahead throughout the game, but Illinois will wear the defense down and score late to stay unbeaten and send Buckeye Nation to a new low.  I see it as Illinois: 24  Ohio State: 20