For the first time in nearly two decades, No. 17 Illinois (5-1, 2-1) will host the best team in the country, No. 1 Ohio State (5-0, 2-0). The Illini have faced the No. 1 team just three times this century.
Last year, Illinois lost badly to Oregon, which was ranked No. 1 at the time. In 2006, the Illini lost a close one to the Buckeyes, 17-10. The game most Illinois fans are sure to remember, whether they saw it live or on the internet a decade later, was the 2007 game against No. 1 Ohio State.
The Illini went on the road and stunned the Buckeyes, beating them 28-21. Quarterback Juice Williams put up four touchdown passes. Illinois’ defense grabbed three interceptions, including one in the fourth quarter that sealed the win.
The victory is one of the more memorable in Illinois’ history. The Illini have the chance to give the younger generations of fans a memory of similar magnitude. While it won’t be an easy feat, the team is up for the challenge.
“You don’t really care about what logo is on the helmet, you don’t care about what school they’re coming from,” said senior defensive back Miles Scott. “They got on pads just like we do, and we (are) going out there to beat whoever is in front of us.”
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No. 1 for a reason
For six consecutive weeks, Ohio State has sat atop the AP Poll. Its undefeated record and strong play have led to the ranking. The Buckeyes’ biggest strength rests in their defense.
Through its first five games, Ohio State has allowed just 25 points and only two touchdowns. The Buckeyes have held every opponent to 10 points or fewer. They are top three in the nation in yards and touchdowns allowed.
“You see, you have an elite defense that’s being coached at an elite level and creates a considerable challenge for us on Saturday,” said offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.
The defense isn’t the only reason that Ohio State is the best team in the country. Its offense has been nothing short of spectacular. The sophomore duo of quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith has connected 35 times for over 400 yards this season.
“Sayin is a good quarterback. He can throw the ball all over the place,” said defensive backs coach Corey Parker. “Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, those guys can run and make plays down the field.”
With Ohio State’s defense holding teams to single digits, the offense plays with virtually no pressure. It’s no surprise that the reigning National Champions are undefeated and rolling through their schedule.
David enters the ring
The best chance for Illinois to win will likely be its offense. It will certainly be a challenge, but the Illini have been high-scoring, and at the head is senior quarterback Luke Altmyer.
The senior has over 1,500 passing yards, 15 total touchdowns and no interceptions. His numbers make him one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten, and his play proves it. Altmyer has been steadily improving this season, and he’ll be a big key in Illinois’ chances for a victory.
“He does see the game very well,” Lunney Jr. said. “And that affords him to play with a great deal of confidence.”
The offense has been solid, but Illinois’ defense has struggled recently. It has given up 27 or more points in the last three games, including 63 points against No. 7 Indiana. The Illini have been giving up chunk yards and missing tackles.
However, the coaches know they haven’t been their best. Head coach Bret Bielema doesn’t think the Illini have put everything together yet.
“I don’t know if we’ve ever played a game yet where we put it all together for four quarters,” Bielema said. “But there’d be no better time than this week.”
Getting healthy
In his Thursday media availability, Bielema noted that Illinois could be getting some important players back. The coach said that junior running back Aidan Laughery practiced all week, and junior linebacker James Kreutz rejoined practice on Thursday.
While Bielema wouldn’t commit to senior offensive lineman Josh Kreutz playing, he did say that Kreutz has been adamant that he will be out there Saturday. As a three-year starter, Kreutz doesn’t need a lot of reps to be ready to roll, so a game-time decision wouldn’t be surprising.
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