Defensive woes continue as No. 7 Ohio State stomps Illinois
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COLUMBUS, Oh – We knew this matchup wasn’t going to be easy for Illinois. No. 7 Ohio State is widely regarded as the best team in the country despite its one-point loss to No. 1 Texas two weeks ago. This 42-19 contest marks the 11th straight Ohio State victory against Illinois.
The Buckeyes can thank none other than Heisman frontrunner WR Jeremiah Smith. It wasn’t a question of if Smith would make an impact, it was how big that impact would be. And it didn’t take long for him to get going.
Smith, with help from QB Julian Sayin, had the best game of his career. He caught for 217 yards and four touchdowns, both single-game career highs. The defense had no answer for him, and a great all-around game for Sayin didn’t help either.
Sayin threw for an efficient 367 yards, four touchdowns and ran for his second rushing TD of his career. He was also responsible for a huge swing play in the second quarter that shifted a lot of momentum in the game. On 3rd and 7, Illinois had a great opportunity to get off the field in a 14-7 game.
Instead, Sayin exposed the issue that has plagued Illinois all season, the tackling. He dropped back over 10 yards with the pocket collapsed and two Illini on his heels. What should have been a drive-ending sack ended up being two broken tackles resulting in a first down.
Instead of getting the ball back with a chance to score, the drive continued.
That wasn’t the end of the defense woes though. The Illini had another chance at a stop that would’ve forced a field goal attempt. A flag made it 4th and 7 at Illinois’ 31, but the DBs seemed to be playing too far back which allowed a 8 yard completion for the first down.
The final result, Smith’s third touchdown of the half. It ended up being a 19-play, eight and a half minute drive that gave the Buckeyes a 21-7 lead. They never looked back.
Illini offense remains steady
Despite the lackluster defense, Illinois’ offense didn’t necessarily look outclassed compared to Ohio State’s. QB Katin Houser had a solid game throwing for 263 yards and a TD, and with so much focus on WR Collin Dixon, Houser was able to lean on some of his other weapons. WR Hudson Clement and RB Aidan Laughery both made their presence known.
Clement looked good catching five passes for 87 yards, and Laughery kept the offense moving with 113 rushing yards including a 37-yard explosion in the first quarter. Even with an injury-riddle offensive line that gave up three sacks, the run game looked solid.
Defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck’s 3-3-5 has faced scrutiny this season, and I don’t see that ending any time soon. The situational play calling on third and fourth down looked very questionable today. Ohio State clearly made them pay going 10-14 on third and fourth down and 4-4 in the red zone.
Ohio State constantly showed the ability to extend drives whenever it wanted. Illinois definitely missed multiple opportunities by not being able to get off the field, and if it wants to compete with teams of this caliber going forward, the defense will need to step up.
Until then, the defense will remain under the microscope while it searches for answers.
Check This Out
With so much scoring output from both teams, there were bound to be some great highlights.
Smith’s fourth TD of the game tied him for the single-game receiving TD record in Buckeyes history. He is just 2 TDs away from being Ohio State’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns.
Ohio State causes a pivotal turnover on downs early in the fourth quarter. A touchdown here for Illinois could have made it a one-score game.
Stat Stuffers
- Smith: 12 receptions, 217 yards, 4 Touchdowns
- Sayin: 27-36 passing, 367 yards, 1 rushing Touchdown
- Bailey: 14 total tackles, 7 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss
What’s Next
Illinois and Hauck’s defense will look to bounce back on Oct. 3 against Purdue for homecoming week in Champaign. The Boilermakers, like the Illini, have a well-rounded offense along with a struggling defense. Can Illinois take advantage and go back to being over .500?
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