As the Illini (5-1, 2-1) prepare to play the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0), fans have been ready since before the sun came up. Big Noon Kickoff returns to Champaign for the second time in three weeks, and fans are excited.
Sean Denker, senior in Engineering, said he wanted to get there early after missing the event two weeks ago.
“I had really bad FOMO for it,” Denker said. “I was really excited to get here early.”
Ohio State is 18-5 during Big Noon Kickoff. If the Illini take down the Buckeyes, they will be only the third team to do so during BNK, joining the ranks of Oregon and Michigan. Illinois fan Abe Nixon is hopeful the team can pull off the upset.
“(Ohio State’s) good, but Illinois got some things that if they do right,” Nixon said. “They’ve got a shot to win.”
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Lifelong Buckeye supporter Aiven Stoutenborough walked into enemy territory and is looking for a good game today.
“I hope it’s a good game,” Stoutenborough said. “From the past I’ve seen, Illinois has always put up a decent fight against Ohio State. (I) hope it’s a close game.”
That idea of a close game seemed to be the consensus from fans as the gates to Grange Grove prepared to open. The crowd carried a hopeful anticipation for the day and game to come.
