Can't Wait For Saturday I'm still going with the Buckeyes, but it will be closer than most think
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Sep. 25—***
You probably don't need a reminder, but the most lopsided outcome of Bret Bielema's head coaching career was a 53-point decision in 2025 at Indiana. To be fair, the Hoosiers went on to win the College Football Playoff title and finished with a perfect season.
Some are predicting another blowout Saturday when Illinois visits No. 7-ranked Ohio State.
Not me.
I'm going with Ohio State 28, Illinois 21. Same score Ron Zook's Illini beat Jim Tressel's No. 1 Buckeyes by in 2007. Considering the talents of the opponent, it was the best game I have seen Illinois play in 38 years covering the team.
Can it happen again? Maybe. I'm reluctant to pick against the Buckeyes, who would be No. 1 if not for a close loss at Texas, a game Ohio State basically gave away.
On Wednesday, I talked to a former Illinois coach and player who both beat Ohio State during their careers. That story is coming Friday. Check it out.
It really helps Illinois that quarterback Katin Houser has already played a game in Columbus while at Michigan State. He won't likely freak out when the loudest crowd in the Big Ten lets him have it. Houser and on-fire receiver Collin Dixon give Illinois a chance.
What Illinois can't do is turn the ball over or commit a bunch of penalties.
And it must try to keep superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith to a reasonable amount of production. Anything under 100 yards is a win for Illinois. If he keeps tossing the ball back to the official after hitting the end zone it will be a major problem for Illinois.
Two more notes:
1. Here is your second reminder to enter this week's prediction contest. Send an email to ,com. Include your name, hometown and scores for both teams. Let me know if you are an alum too. The game starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, so don't wait until the last second. And thanks as always for your participation.
2. I forgot to mention Art Hasse's close call in last week's contest. He missed the total by three points. Great work by Art and weekly winner Anne Krueger.
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