2011 Illinois Fighting Illini Game Preview
Preface
Remember when the 2007 team got Zooked? It ended the longest winning streak for conference games in B1G history.
Longest Big Ten winning streaks, conference games only:
20 games - 2005-07, Ohio State (snapped by Illinois)
19 games - 1990-92, Michigan
So the 2007 upset prevented tOSU from extending some significant Big Ten records, and some fans are looking for payback against the 6-0 Illini with this trip.
There have been some memorable battles with the Fighting Illini. One of them occurred in 1980, when Dave Wilson was unstoppable in the second half, and threw for a record 621 yards in a 49-42 Buckeye victory. That is still the most yards ever thrown by a Big Ten QB. Illinois got 659 yards of total offense that day, which is the most ever by a Buckeye opponent.
Another classic was the 1984 comeback, when a 24-0 deficit was wiped out when Keith Byars ran out of his shoe in the 'Shoe, with that TD making it 24-14, and another TD after Earle's successful decision to go with an onside kick got the Buckeyes within 24-21 at the half. The eventual 45-38 victory was pretty much a foregone conclusion at that point.
Other great memories against the Illini have to include the tOSU record 314 rushing yards that Eddie George racked up in his 1995 Heisman campaign; and the 2002 overtime nail-biter, with incompletions in both sides of the end zone, was just another close call for our most recent National Champions.
On Oct. 15, 1910, officials at the University of Illinois decided it would be a good idea to invite alumni back to the campus for a football game. More than 1,500 returned to Champaign and watched as the Fighting Illini beat Chicago, 3-0, in what is recognized as the first official homecoming game in college football history.
In 1965, three second-quarter touchdowns led Ohio State to a 28-14 win at a rainy Ohio Stadium. Tom Barrington rushed for 179 yards on 32 carries and scored touchdowns on runs of 12, 1 and 2 yards. The 1965 game is also notable because it marked the return of William A. Dougherty. The retired attorney composed 'Across the Field' as a junior at Ohio State in 1915. To mark the 50th anniversary of that composition, he played the song at halftime on a piano placed at midfield.
While the Illini have won 3 of the last 5 contests in Columbus (and 6 of 10, including the 2007 shocker); the Buckeyes have won eight consecutive games in Champaign, including the trip last year which was later deemed a 'vacation' in a wind tunel. That 6-game streak started after the stretch when Illinois had five straight wins from '88 to '92. Another of the recent Illlinois wins was in 2001, which was the Big-10 championship year for Illinois, when they lost to LSU in the Sugar Bowl in the first year that the Rose Bowl had the BCS NC game.
A tradition of 89 straight years with a tOSU-Illinois game was broken after the 2002 season. That started in 1914, which was the year that World War I began. To put 89 years into sports terms, that's longer than the Red Sox and the White Sox waited to win the World Series, but not as long as the Cubs.
1914 was also the first of 4 recognized NC's for Illinois. They won four of those between that year and 1927, all under Coach Robert Zuppke, who was there for 29 years, retiring just before Pearl Harbor. In the 1921 game in Columbus, Zuppke played only 11 men and utilized a new "drop back" pass defense to frustrate heavily favored tOSU 7-0. A Chicago sportswriter at the game was impressed with Illinois' determination, and when he called them he "Fighting Illini" in the Sunday Tribune, the nickname stuck.
Illinois coach Ron Zook was an Ohio State assistant from 1988-90. So if you saw somebody water-skiing on the Olentangy back then, you can bet it was him.
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Illinois. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date and TimeLongest Big Ten winning streaks, conference games only:
20 games - 2005-07, Ohio State (snapped by Illinois)
19 games - 1990-92, Michigan
So the 2007 upset prevented tOSU from extending some significant Big Ten records, and some fans are looking for payback against the 6-0 Illini with this trip.
There have been some memorable battles with the Fighting Illini. One of them occurred in 1980, when Dave Wilson was unstoppable in the second half, and threw for a record 621 yards in a 49-42 Buckeye victory. That is still the most yards ever thrown by a Big Ten QB. Illinois got 659 yards of total offense that day, which is the most ever by a Buckeye opponent.
Another classic was the 1984 comeback, when a 24-0 deficit was wiped out when Keith Byars ran out of his shoe in the 'Shoe, with that TD making it 24-14, and another TD after Earle's successful decision to go with an onside kick got the Buckeyes within 24-21 at the half. The eventual 45-38 victory was pretty much a foregone conclusion at that point.
Other great memories against the Illini have to include the tOSU record 314 rushing yards that Eddie George racked up in his 1995 Heisman campaign; and the 2002 overtime nail-biter, with incompletions in both sides of the end zone, was just another close call for our most recent National Champions.
On Oct. 15, 1910, officials at the University of Illinois decided it would be a good idea to invite alumni back to the campus for a football game. More than 1,500 returned to Champaign and watched as the Fighting Illini beat Chicago, 3-0, in what is recognized as the first official homecoming game in college football history.
In 1965, three second-quarter touchdowns led Ohio State to a 28-14 win at a rainy Ohio Stadium. Tom Barrington rushed for 179 yards on 32 carries and scored touchdowns on runs of 12, 1 and 2 yards. The 1965 game is also notable because it marked the return of William A. Dougherty. The retired attorney composed 'Across the Field' as a junior at Ohio State in 1915. To mark the 50th anniversary of that composition, he played the song at halftime on a piano placed at midfield.
While the Illini have won 3 of the last 5 contests in Columbus (and 6 of 10, including the 2007 shocker); the Buckeyes have won eight consecutive games in Champaign, including the trip last year which was later deemed a 'vacation' in a wind tunel. That 6-game streak started after the stretch when Illinois had five straight wins from '88 to '92. Another of the recent Illlinois wins was in 2001, which was the Big-10 championship year for Illinois, when they lost to LSU in the Sugar Bowl in the first year that the Rose Bowl had the BCS NC game.
A tradition of 89 straight years with a tOSU-Illinois game was broken after the 2002 season. That started in 1914, which was the year that World War I began. To put 89 years into sports terms, that's longer than the Red Sox and the White Sox waited to win the World Series, but not as long as the Cubs.
1914 was also the first of 4 recognized NC's for Illinois. They won four of those between that year and 1927, all under Coach Robert Zuppke, who was there for 29 years, retiring just before Pearl Harbor. In the 1921 game in Columbus, Zuppke played only 11 men and utilized a new "drop back" pass defense to frustrate heavily favored tOSU 7-0. A Chicago sportswriter at the game was impressed with Illinois' determination, and when he called them he "Fighting Illini" in the Sunday Tribune, the nickname stuck.
Illinois coach Ron Zook was an Ohio State assistant from 1988-90. So if you saw somebody water-skiing on the Olentangy back then, you can bet it was him.
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Illinois. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date: Saturday, October 15th, 2011
Time: 3:30 ET Kick-off
Location: Memorial Stadium - (Champaign, IL)
Constructed: 1923 (Renovated in 2008)
Seating Capacity: 60,670 (Originally 55,524)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: Illinois has asked their fans to 'Stripe the Stadium' by wearing orange and blue in alternating sections.
Time: 3:30 ET Kick-off
Location: Memorial Stadium - (Champaign, IL)
Constructed: 1923 (Renovated in 2008)
Seating Capacity: 60,670 (Originally 55,524)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: Illinois has asked their fans to 'Stripe the Stadium' by wearing orange and blue in alternating sections.
Broadcast Information: TV Broadcast: ABC/ESPN mirror: Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Bob Davie (analysis), and Heather Cox (sideline)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS FM 97.1 The Fan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline); also on Sirius Radio (85) and XM (85)
2011 Illinois Fighting Illini Offensive Preview
2011 Illinois Fighting Illini Offensive Preview
Head coach Ron Zook is now the toast of Champaign after a 6-0 start. It didn't appear he would last long enough to get here since he went 3-9 as recently as 2009, but the hiring of Paul Petrino as OC really seemed to bring purpose and discipline to the offensive scheme. The Illini ranked just outside the top 10 in rushing offense in his first year last season with almost 250 a game, and though the passing game was sparse on occasion the Illini did finish with a bowl win and a winning record, with hopes of bigger things this season. Talk by the Illini faithful of playing in the conference's first title game in 2011 was met with scorn before the season, but after a 2-0 start they could be in line for an eventual showdown with Wisconsin for the division title. First things first, however, as the Illini must improve upon a 24-13 loss to the Buckeyes in Champaign last year if they hope to keep their momentum going and stay in the conference hunt.
Illinois has been impressive on offense thus far in 2011, which has significantly contributed to their undefeated start. They currently rank 32nd nationally with 447.7 yards per game. The Illini are still strong running the ball, averaging 226.2 yards per game, good for 13th nationally, despite the loss of top back Mikel Leshoure to the NFL. However they have also made significant improvement in the passing game, averaging a healthy 239.2 yards per game, ranking T64 but way above last season, when they finished ranked below 100. They haven't thrown a lot of INTs (just 3) but they do have a penchant for giving up sacks (17 thus far, T10 nationally). They have been able to pile up 34.7 points per game, good for 30th nationally. The quality of the offense is reinforced by the number of first downs they have gained (134, T21) and by the impressive 50% of the third downs they have converted (T9). Clearly they have been able to run a ball control offense that is still build heavily on the run, but is also capable of producing big plays in the passing game, as the Northwestern game in particular highlighted. The Buckeye defense will have their work cut out for them on Saturday.
Quarterbacks
QB #2 Nathan Scheelhaase (6-3, 195, SO, Rockhurst HS, Kansas City, MO)
Dare I say that the Illini faithful are "Dancin' to the Scheelhaase Rock" these days, as the QB has led a highly potent offense in his second year at the helm. Last season he threw for just 1825 yards, but he has over 1200 in just a half season this year without seeing any major drop in his run production or the run production of the team. Last year he was named the conference's freshman of the week 6 times and its rookie of the year, and this season as a sophomore he should contend for postseason all-conference honors and is on the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien preseason lists. He's had only 2 really big statistical games passing the ball, the opener against Arkansas State where he threw for 267 yards and 2 TDs and the Northwestern game, where he threw for 391 yards and 3 scores. He also had 201 yards and 3 TDs last week against Indiana and the passing offense seems to be rounding into form just in time for the meat of the schedule. He's also been relatively effective on the ground, ranking second on the team in yards and TDs and breaking the 60 yard plateau 3 times, including 18 for 88 yards and a score last week against the overmatched Hoosiers. He has a very healthy 10/3 TD/INT ratio, and by in large he has made good decisions with the football this season. He will need to cut back on the sacks (15 thus far) but he also makes up for that with his effectiveness on the ground. He is a smart kid (Academic All-Big Ten) and a good leader, and he is the unquestioned centerpiece of the overall effectiveness of the Illini attack. Last year Ohio State's defense completely shut him down, as he had just 109 yards passing with an INT and just 12 rushing yards on 11 attempts, so he will be eager to get another shot at the Silver Bullets.
The primary backup is freshman Reilly O'Toole (#4). He is a big kid (6-4, 220) who appears to have quite a bit of upside. In limited duty this year he is 13/17 for 88 yards and a TD, with 3 carries for 12 yards on the ground. He appears capable of running the offense but the Illini need to keep their primary QB healthy.
QB Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Illinois QB versus OSU QB
Scheelhaase: 80/120 (66.7%), 1238 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs, 175.8 rating; 94/347, 4 TDs
Miller: 25/47 (53.2%), 386 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, 141.8 rating; 49/209, 0 TDs
Scheelhaase is one of the better players in the conference and will likely contend with Robinson and Wilson for all-conference honors at the end of the year. He is still just a sophomore and learning the nuances of the position, but the improvement from year 1 to year 2 in passing and decision making is palpable and it appears he is poised for one of the best careers ever for an Illini QB. His ability to run has been there from the beginning, but as his passing improves so will his value and success. It will be interesting to see how he contends with an Ohio State defense that dominated him last year...it is easy to make the argument that neither he nor the Ohio State defense are the same as they were then. On the flip side, the Buckeyes finally showed some signs of offensive life with Miller last weekend. He still needs a lot of work throwing the ball, but his ability to move the ball on the ground and the opportunities that will open up in the passing game because of that threat are already evident. Buckeye fans hope that his development will somewhat mirror that of Scheelhaase, who has clearly taken that proverbial "next step" this season.
Edge: Illinois
Running Backs
HB #21 Jason Ford (6-0, 235, SR, Althoff HS, Belleville, IL)
FB #35 Jay Prosch (6-0, 250, SO, UMS-Wright HS, Mobile, AL)
The primary opportunity to replace Leshoure has gone to the senior Ford, and he has struggled in that endeavor thus far. He had rushed for over 1000 yards and 11 TDs in the last 2 combined seasons as the primary reserve, so it made sense to think he would have a breakout season. In the opener, he had 22 carries for 86 yards and 2 TDs, and all seemed on track. However, he has not approached that level of production in the past 5 games, and he has started to see his workload decrease a bit. After having just 15 combined carries against Western Michigan and Northwester, he did have 16 last week against Indiana, but with just a 3.3 YPC average and 1 TD in the past 3 games, he has not had the kind of season many were expecting. He is not even on pace to exceed his 2009 totals as a sophomore reserve, so he will need a big second half to finish his career with a flourish. He had 6 carries for 27 yards and an 8 yard reception against the Buckeyes last year.
With Ford's struggles have emerged opportunities for other backs, including the primary backup, senior Troy Pollard (#28) who got his first start of the season (third career start) last week. He is averaging almost 10 yards a carry on 3 very impressive performances: 8 carries for 101 yards and a TD against South Dakota State, 14 for 133 against Western Michigan, and 9 for 92 last week against the Hoosiers. He played very sparingly over his first 3 years, carrying it just 41 times for a touch over 200 yards in his first 3 seasons. He is a smaller runner than Ford (5-8, 190) and has more breakaway speed, as his YPC attests to. A pair of promising freshmen, Donovonn Young (#5) and Josh Ferguson (#6) round out the chart. Young has gotten quote a bit of work recently and is in line for more opportunities. He had 12 carries for 100 yards against Western Michigan and 12 for 73 last week against Indiana, and has scored a TD in 2 of the previous 3 games. He has good size (6-0, 215) and reasonably good speed.
RB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Illinois RB versus OSU RB
Pollard: 37/361 yards, 1 TD, 9.8 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Ford: 85/279 yards, 5 TDs, 3.3 YPC; 7 rec/51 yards, 0 TDs, 7.3 YPR
Young: 47/314 yards, 4 TDs, 6.7 YPC; 3 rec/6 yards, 0 TDs, 2.0 YPR
Hyde: 75/400 yards, 5 TDs, 5.3 YPC; 9 rec/65 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Hall: 67/265 yards, 1 TD, 4.0 YPC; 1 rec/4 yards, 0 TDs, 4.0 YPR
Smith: 29/116 yards, 1 TD, 4.0 YPC; 2 rec/15 yards, 0 TDs, 7.5 YPR
Ford hasn't been able to remotely approach Leshoure's production from last season, and he has seen some of his carries go to the other backs in the past 3 games. The Illini do have a nice balance of 2 experienced seniors and 2 eager freshmen, and they have a nice combination of size, speed, and power amongst their 4 players. None of them are especially dangerous in the passing game, which more or less mirrors the Buckeyes as well. Ohio State has seen Hyde and Hall emerge as the primary contributors, with Hyde and his power running style really leading the way. It will be very interesting to see how Herron is worked back into the rotation. Neither team right now has an explosive or even primary feature back, but both have some nice role players who are trying to make the most of their opportunities.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
WR #80 Spencer Harris (6-3, 195, SO, Greenwood HS, Greenwood, AR)
WR #8 A.J. Jenkins (6-0, 190, SR, Terry Parker HS, Jacksonville, FL)
WR #15 Darius Millines (5-11, 185, SO, American Heritage HS, Boynton Beach, FL)
After leading the team by a very wide margin with 56 receptions for 746 yards and 7 TDs in 2010, the senior Jenkins is doing so again this season, and will likely decimate his 2010 numbers, as he has 46 receptions for 810 yards and 7 TDs already in a half season in 2011. He is a Biletnikoff Award candidate and a postseason conference award candidate who is currently 6th in the NCAA in yards per game. After cracking the 100 yard barrier just twice in 2010, he opened the 2011 season with 11 catches for 148 yards and a TD against Arkansas State and followed that up with 6 for 103 yards and a TD against a pesky Arizona State defense. When conference play started, he exploded for 12 receptions for 268 yards and 3 TDs against a Northwestern defense that had zero ability to cover him. He followed that up with 6 receptions for 182 yards and 2 TDs last week, and it appears as though he is one of the most dangerous players in the conference week in and week out. Against Ohio State last year he had just 1 reception for 16 yards, so he will be looking to really put the heat on the Buckeye secondary to continue his explosive momentum over the past 2 weeks. He has gamebreaking speed, runs good routes, and enough size to compete for the ball in the air. He is the total package and leads the B1G in most major categories this far in 2011.
After Jenkins the production precipitously declines. Harris is second on the team with just 13 receptions. He had a nice game against Northwestern (6 receptions, 63 yards) but has been sporadic otherwise. Millines had a big opener (5 receptions, 199 yards, TD) but has been battling a recent injury. His counterpart, fellow sophomore Ryan Lankford (#12) has started the past couple of games but has just 2 receptions for 7 yards on the season. The only other reserve with a catch is senior Fred Sykes (#17), who has 2. Senior Brandon Clear (#11) and freshmen Jordan Frysinger (#84) and Jake Kumerow (#81) round out the chart.
WR Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Illinois WRs versus OSU WRs
Jenkins: 46 catches, 815 yards, 7 TDs, 17.7 YPR
Millines: 10 catches, 174 yards, 1 TD, 17.4 YPR
Harris: 13 catches, 121 yards, 0 TDs, 9.3 YPR
Smith: 9 catches, 187 yards, 3 TDs, 20.8 YPR
Brown: 5 catches, 78 yards, 0 TDs, 15.6 YPR
Fields: 6 catches, 75 yards, 0 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Make no mistake, the overall rating is not a reflection of Jenkins, who is one of the most exciting players in the B1G. He is as good as they come, but depth is lacking. Harris, Millines, and Lankford will have to do enough to keep teams from blanketing Jenkins with 2 or even 3 members of the secondary from here on out. Obviously he destroyed Northwestern and Indiana, bu those teams are weak defensively and the Illini are heading to the meat of their schedule. The Buckeyes would be in a potentially similar situation of the had Posey, but his extended suspension means the young players will have to man the position for the remainder of the season. They are getting good experience but like the Illini (sans Jenkins) they are struggling to make plays on a consistent basis. Jenkins easily carries the day here by himself, but the remaining players on both sides need to step up.
Edge: Illinois
Tight Ends
TE #88 Evan Wilson (6-6, 250, SO, Woodstock HS, Woodstock, GA)
Wilson is a big and powerful TE who is a good blocker. He started 11 games last year as a freshman and caught 10 passes, so he already has quite a bit of game experience. He is a steady contributor who helps out with the run game on a consistent basis. His primary backup, true freshman Jon Davis (#3) is a bit smaller (6-3, 230) and faster. He was very highly regarded as a high school player (top prospect in Kentucky, #7 TE prospect by Scout.com) and he is already making his presence felt in the blocking and receiving areas. He has limitless potential and should form an intimidating tandem with Wilson in the years to come. Junior Eddie Viliunas (#83) will also see occasional time.
TE Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Illinois TE versus OSU TE
Wilson: 5 catches, 77 yards, 2 TDs, 15.4 YPR
Davis: 3 catches, 17 yards, 1 TD, 5.7 YPR
Stoneburner: 11 catches, 133 yards, 5 TDs, 12.1 YPR
Fragel: 4 catches, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Both teams have quality and depth at the position and both also have fans and media who have questioned why the position is not more involved for years. The Illini have 2 young and very good prospects, whereas Stoneburner is more polished and will likely lead the team in receiving this season. Blocking is not a problem for either team, it is more of a question of how involved the coaches and the QB choose to make them in the passing game.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
WT #71 Jeff Allen (6-5, 315, SR, King HS, Chicago, IL)
WG #72 Hugh Thornton (6-5, 310, JR, Oberlin HS, Oberlin, OH)
C #76 Graham Pocic (6-7, 305, JR, Lemont HS, Lemont, IL)
SG #73 Jack Cornell (6-6, 315, SR, Quincy Notre Dame HS, Quincy, IL)
ST #74 Michael Heitz (6-5, 295, FR, VIT HS, Vermont, IL)
The offensive line has played a big part in the success of Paul Petrino's offense, and the quality of their play is a big reason the Illini are 6-0. The line is anchored by Allen at WT, a man with 39 consecutive starts and a second team all-B1G on his resume' from 2010. The bruiser from Chicago is a team captain and is quick and agile for a man his size. He is polished in his technique and has good fundamentals and footwork. He also brings a lot of experience and leadership. At WG, Thornton, an Ohio product, is a versatile player with experience starting at T and G over the past 3 seasons. Like Allen he has similar size and good footwork and he is strong as a run blocker. In the middle, Pocic is in his second season as the starter and graded out as their second best lineman last year en route to being honorable mention all-conference. He is a smart player with a tremendous wingspan and good mobility. On the strong side, Cornell is another versatile player with some experience at tackle and guard. He is getting the chance to start this year after playing sparingly his first 2 and a half seasons, and he has made the most of his opportunity. He is a punishing run blocker along the interior. At ST, Heitz has broken into the lineup immediately after is redshirt season, and leads a group of strong prospects that will be Illinois' future along the front (see below). He is a touch smaller than the other lineman and is growing into the position, but he has shown plenty of potential and is a very agile tackle, which is advantageous with a mobile QB.
The reserves feature one junior and several young players eager for their opportunity. Junior Tyler Sands (#61) has played very sparingly thus far in his career and is the top reserve at WG, while sophomore Jake Feldmeyer (#67) is the backup at C but has also been seldom-used. The rest of the reserves are freshman, as Alex Hill (#52) is the top reserve at SG and Simon Cvijanovic (#68) and Scott McDowell (#66) man the tackle spots.
OL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Illinois OL versus OSU OL
Allen is easily the best of the group for the Illini and is the kind of mainstay that anchors a successful line. Though the line has given up some sacks, there is no arguing with the punishing running game or the increased production in the passing game, giving the offense some badly needed balance. This line is physical enough to compete in a tough B1G while also being agile enough to run Petrino's scheme. Big plays downfield have increased this season, as the protection from the line has played a big role in that. The Illini are peaking at the start of B1G season at just the right time. The Buckeyes looked much better for 3 quarters last week, but they still need better pass blocking, less silly motion penalties, and the ability to put games away in the fourth quarter with leads by running the ball effectively.
Edge: Illinois
Overall Offensive Analysis
Paul Petrino has revitalized the Illinois attack just in time to keep Ron Zook at the helm. After a significant improvement last season which relied almost solely on a punishing ground attack, they have diversified their plan this season and have gotten more out of the passing game. The Illini have legitimate stars in Scheelhaase, Jenkins, and Allen, and unlike years past that featured other stars like Juice Williams, Benn, and Leshoure, the supporting cast is better, the offensive scheme is better, they play much better as a unit, and they have a good deal more confidence. They are also able to play more consistently week to week, something that has been lacking at Illinois for quite some time. The Buckeyes will have their hands full this weekend with this unit, and they will have to stuff the running game early and get pressure on the QB if they want to dictate the run of play. The Buckeyes dominated the one-dimensional Illini last year, but Illinois is much improved since then and the defense doesn't have as much help from the offense to keep them off the field as they had last season. If Illinois finishes with balanced statistics, expect a W in their column. If the Buckeyes can eliminate the running game early, they will have a good chance to win.
Overall Offensive Rating: B+
2011 Illinois Fighting Illini Defensive Preview
Since joining the Illinois staff as Defensive Coordinator, Vic Koenning has brought enormous, immediate and continuing improvement in the Fighting Illini defense. A native of Owasa, Oklahoma and a 1983 graduate of Kansas State, Koenning played for the NFL's Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers and also for the USFL's Oklahoma Outlaws after a solid career with the Wildcats. The former linebacker became a graduate assistant at Memphis in 1986 and gradually made his way up the coaching ranks. When he left Memphis in 1996 Koenning was in charge of DBs. In 1997, Koenning accepted the position of Defensive Coordinator at Wyoming as Joe Tiller's staff was being replaced upon Tiller's departure to Purdue. After three seasons, Koenning was named head coach, a position he held from 2000-2002. He left Wyoming for Troy, and after two seasons there joined Clemson's staff as a defensive coordinator. From his days at Clemson, Koenning became co-defensive coordinator at his alma mater for one season, 2009. Koenning's teams have generally been productive units, but a change made last year took the Illini to the next level. With the inclusion of the "Bandit" position the Illinois defense has made improvements across the board in every defensive category. The numbers below comprise big improvement from last year, which was a big, across-the-board improvement from 2009.
Stats......|.Pts..|Tot Yds.|Rush.|Pass.|INT...|Fumbl|Sacks.|3rd D..|.pct.|
Illinois...|.17.8.| 296.7..|.79.7|217.0|.7-42.|.10-5|22-126|29-89..|.33%.|
Ohio State.|.17.8.| 308.2..|116.7|191.5|.7-48.|.10-3|12-75.|27-86..|.31%.|
...........|1st Ds|TDs R|TDs P|RedZone|.pct.|Tds...|.pct.|.TOF.|
Illinois...|..99..|..4..|..7..|.12-16.|.75%.|.8-16.|.50%.|27:21|
Ohio State.|..90..|..4..|..9..|.11-14.|.79%.|.9-14.|.64%.|28:57|
The above numbers show that, unlike most years, the Illini defense is statistically superior to the Silver Bullets based on the raw numbers. While the teams have surrendered exactly the same number of points thus far this year and are tied at 17th nationally in that metric, the Illini rank ahead of the Buckeyes in most of the other categories.
The Buckeyes have slightly better pass defense numbers, but are uncharacteristically soft against the run this year. On balance, the Illini give up fewer total yards. While the Buckeyes do have slightly superior 3rd down performance and have managed to give up fewer first downs, the Illini tighten up better in the red zone. The real difference in these teams though is in negative plays. Illinois ranks 45 spots ahead of Ohio State nationally in Sacks, and are 62 spots ahead in Tackles For Loss.
Defensive Line
DE #85 Whitney Mercilus, (6-4, 265, Jr.)
DT #94 Akeem Spence, (6-1, 305, So.)
DT #47Glenn Foster, (6-4, 260, Jr.)
BANDIT #99 Michael Buchanan, (6-6, 240, Jr.),
Mercilus is the most productive member of this outstanding unit. He is leading the unit in Sacks, Tackles for Loss, Solo Tackles, Quarterback Hurries and Forced Fumbles. His 8.5 sacks are the most in FBS and those sacks have set opponents back 55 yards which is one short of the nation's best sack yardage total. He is also fourth in the nation in Forced Fumbles with 4. Mercilus is serving as a Captain against the Buckeyes, marking the third time this year he has held the honor. On the other side of the line is Bandit Michael Buchanan. Last year he was a projected starter coming out of spring ball, and you read in these pages that "Buchanan could do well in the Bandit role if he adds some more beef to his 6-6 frame". Fifteen pounds of beef later, #99 is leading the unit in tackles and is second to Mercilus in sacks. On the interior of the line are Spence and Foster. Like Buchanan, Foster is experienced and was projected to be a starter last year coming out of spring ball. He is still a bit undersized for the tackle position but he makes up for it with quickness, which resulted in an interception against Arizona State. Spence is used primarily to eat up blockers.
While the Illinois' defensive line is stout, these trenches are not particularly deep. Only back-up bandit Justin Staples has recorded a tackle in every game. None has more than one sack. What depth there is comes from DE #59 Tim Kynard (6-3, 260, So.); Defensive Tackles #79 Craig Wilson (6-5, 320, Sr.), #44 Austin Teitsma (6-2, 265, r-Fr.), #96 Wisdom Onyegbule (6-3, 285, Sr.), #95 Jake Howe (6-3, 290, r-Fr.); and bandits #54 Justin Staples (6-4, 235, Jr.) and #8 Brandon Denmark (6-4, 225, So.).
DL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Illinois versus OSU DL
The Illini front wall are a big reason why the team has improved in both Rushing Defense and Sack production over last year. They have been significantly more productive than their Scarlet & Grey counterparts. While the Buckeyes have played slighly better offenses on average; how much better is debatable as South Dakota State skews the mean for the Illini opponents. Regardless, the difference in opponents is not significant enough to explain the vast difference in results.
Edge: Illinois
Linebackers
SLB #9 Trulon Henry, (6-1, 230, Sr.)
MLB #38 Ian Thomas, (6-1, 235, Sr.)
WLB #45 Jonathan Brown (6-1, 235, So.)
With the loss of Montez Wilson, this group wasn't supposed to be as good as they've shown through the first half of 2011. Ian Thomas, the man in the middle, leads the way with 34 tackles including 7 for loss. He is back to his natural position after one season at Will. Trulon Henry brings experience to the Sam Linebacker position. The Junior College transfer (DuPage) earned Honorable Mention All Big Ten honors at free safety for the Illini last year. He packed on 15 pounds of muscle to make the position change, and he looks and plays bigger than his official weight. He has 2 interceptions on the year, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Arrelious Benn, formerly of Illinois fame and now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is Trulon's younger brother. Jonathan Brown has missed some starts due to injury, but is a handful when healthy. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the week against Arizona State.
Backing up the starting corps are #25 Ashante Williams, (5-11, 205, Jr.), #48 Henry Dickinson (6-4, 230, Fr.), #30 Houston Bates, (6-3, 240, rFr.) and #42 Ralph Cooper (6-1, 230, Fr.). Bates is the only one of the backups who has made an impact this year, having started two games and earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors for his effort against Arkansas State.
LB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Illinois versus OSU LBs
While the Illinois defense has put up better numbers than the Buckeyes thus far, their young linebacking corps has been free to run around and make plays. They have yet to be tested by a team that can handle their defensive line and get blockers to the second level. Even so, the Buckeyes have underperformed so far this year and have missed assignments and tackles with alarming regularity, at last by Ohio State standards. This one is hard to call, but we'll have to go with production over potential.
Edge: Illinois
Secondary
CB #3 Tavon Wilson, (6-0, 205, Sr.)
FS #7 Supo Sanni, (6-3, 220, Jr.)
SS #5 Steve Hull, (6-2, 200, So.)
CB #1 Terry Hawthorne (6-0, 190 Jr.) -OR-
CB #26 Justin Green (5-11, 195 Jr.)
Both of the Illini safeties are new this year, even though the starters from last year are also starters for the 2011 Illini. Like Trulon Henry, who left the Free Safety position to Supo Sanni so as to man the Sam LB spot; so Tavon Wilson has moved from Strong Safety to Cornerback. The move has worked out well for the Illini if last week is any indication. Wilson had a team-high 11 tackles (9 solos) including 3.5 for loss and a sack. He through in a pass break-up and a 66 yard fumble return for 6 points for good measure. The performance earned him Big Ten and CFPA National Defensive Player of the Week honors. The new safeties have adapted to their roles well, as they have 55 tackles and two interceptions between them. Terry Hawthorne seems to be the best option at the other cornerback spot, with 28 tackles and an interception on the year, though that starting spot lists him OR Justin Green.
Depth comes from: #4 Pat Nixon-Youman (5-10, 180, Jr.) for both safety spots while #19 Jack Ramsey (5-11, 200, Jr.) and #28 Valdon Cooper (5-11, 170, Fr.) backup the corners. As with the other Illini defenders, none of the backups have yet to make a significant impact.
DB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Illinois versus OSU DBs
While the Fighting Illini backfield benefits from a much better pass rush on the front end than is enjoyed by the Ohio State DBs, they have produced the same number of interceptions. It is notable though, that Illinois has faced several competent passing teams this year, while the Buckeyes have yet to face a quarterback anything like Nathan Scheelhaase. While the Ohio State backfield is deeper, it once again comes down to on-the-field production.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
The Season-Through-The-Looking-Glass continues for the Buckeyes. In most years, it is the Illini who are said to have great potential that they have yet to reach. 2011 is turning out to be the year when Illinois puts it all together while the Buckeyes are left to wonder "What if?". While the Silver Bullets continue to have uncharacteristic breakdowns, the aggressive and opportunistic nature of the Illinois defense has allowed them to make big plays at critical junctures. They rank 6th nationally in Sacks, 8th in Tackles for Loss and 9th in Rushing Defense. They have also forced a turnover in 21 straight games, the longest such streak in the nation.
Overall Defensive Rating: B
2011 Illinois Fighting Illini Special Teams Preview
The Buckeyes look to right the ship and salvage the season this weekend as they invade Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini. The Special Teams units may play a large role in this game and the statistics appear to give Ohio State an edge in every facet.
2011 Statistics (NCAA)
Illinois
Punting:
Justin DuVernois 20 for 764 yards, 38.2 avg, 49 long, 1 touchback, 5 inside the 20 (not enough punts to qualify for ranking)
Team: 24 for 869 yards, 36.2 avg (112th Nationally)
Placekicking:
Derek Dimke 7-7 FGs, 23-23 PATs (80th Nationally in scoring)
Punt Returns:
Ryan Lankford 12 for 38 yards, 3.2 avg, 11 long (68th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Troy Pollard 9 for 160 yards, 17.8 avg, 29 long
A.J. Jenkins 5 for 79 yards, 15.8 avg, 20 long
Darius Millines 5 for 105 yards, 21.0 avg, 26 long
Terry Hawthorne 1 for 0 yards
Team 20 for 344 yards, 17.2 avg, 29 long (117th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
4 for 43 yards, 10.75 avg (93rd Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
29 for 688 yards, 1 TD, 23.72 avg, 8 touchbacks (100th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan 35 for 1462 yards 41.77 avg (38th Nationally)
Placekicking
Drew Basil 7 of 9 FGs, 17-17 PATs
Punt Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Chris Fields 5 for 88 yards, 17.60 avg, 1 TD, 69 long
Jordan Hall 4 for 59 yards, 14.80 avg, 27 long
Corey Brown 2 for 28 yards, 14.00 avg, 17 long
Devin Smith 1 for 3 yards, 3.00 avg, 3 long
Team: 12 for 178 yards, 14.80 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (13th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Jordan Hall 9 for 303 yards, 33.7 avg, 90 long
Jaamal Berry 7 for 150 yards, 21.40 avg, 28 long
Corey Brown 1 for 44 yards
Chris Fields 1 for 15 yards
Tony Jackson 1 for 10 yards
Team: 14 for 406 yards, 29.00 avg, 90 long (6th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
14 for 112 yards, 8.00 avg (71st Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
24 for 413 yards, 17.21 avg, 5 touchbacks (10th Nationally)
Special Teams
Illinois (Rivals)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#13 Derek Dimke (6-0, 180, Sr., Boylan HS, Rockford, IL)
#26 Taylor Zalewski (6-3, 200, Fr., Carl Sandburg HS, Orland Park, IL)
Punter:
#18 Justin DuVernois (6-1, 190, Fr., St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Plantation, FL)
#12 Ryan Lankford (6-0, 175, So., Paxson HS, Jacksonville, FL)
Punt Returners:
#1 Terry Hawthorne (6-0, 190, Jr., East St. Louis HS, East St. Louis, IL)
#19 Jack Ramsey (5-11, 200, Jr., Simeon HS, Chicago, IL)
#28 Troy Pollard (5-8, 190, Sr., Andrew Jackson HS, Jacksonville, FL)
Kickoff Returners:
#15 Darius Millines (5-11, 185, So., American Heritage HS, Boynton Beach, FL)
#28 Troy Pollard (5-8, 190, Sr., Andrew Jackson HS, Jacksonville, FL)
#1 Terry Hawthorne (6-0, 190, Jr., East St. Louis HS, East St. Louis, IL)
Holder:
#86 Tim Russell (6-6, 220, So., St. Charles HS, St. Charles, IL)
Long Snapper:
#46 Zak Pedersen (6-2, 215, Jr., Catholic HS, Joliet, IL)
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Punt Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, So., Palmetto HS, Pinecrest, FL)
Head-to-Head Illinois Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team: The Illini have used 2 punters so far this year, Justin DuVernois and Ryan Lankford. Neither has experienced much success to this point averaging only 38 yards per punt, near the bottom of the rankings. The Illini punt return defense has only allowed 4 returns all year, but give up and average of over 10 yards per return. The Buckeyes have been very good returning punts this year, ranking 13th in the nation with a 14.8 avg per return. All three of Hall, Brown and Fields are a threat to take any punt to the house. Each has a return of at least 17 yards this season.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head Illinois Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team: As with the punt return unit, the Illinois kickoff defense has been spotty so far this year. They rank 100th in the nation in average, giving up 23.72 per return, and have already allowed a touchdown. Ohio State's kickoff return team continues to impress, averaging 29 yards per return to rank 6th nationally. Hall is averaging a glittering 33 yards per return and Corey Brown returned his only kickoff 44 yards. The speedy Chris Fields rounds out the return unit.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head Ohio State Punt team vs. Illinois Punt Return Team: In what is turning out to be a difficult year for the Buckeyes, the Special Teams' play is one of the few bright spots. This includes the punt return defense. While their stats aren't exciting (8 yards per return), they haven't allowed any big plays. Buchanon is having a decent year booming his punts at the rate of 41 yards per kick. For the Illini, Ryan Lankford has returned all of the punts they have fielded this year and is averaging only 3.2 yards per return.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Illinois Kickoff Return Team: This is where the biggest discrepancy between the teams comes in. Illinois has had a miserable year returning kicks, averaging only 17.2 yards per return, to rank 117th, ahead of only Arkansas State, Memphis and Mississippi State in the entire FBS. In contrast, the kickoff defense unit may be the strength of the OSU special teams. The Buckeyes rank 10th nationally defending the kick, giving up an average of only 17 yards per return and more importantly no big plays.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
The Buckeyes' special teams have played solidly in most areas of special teams and spectacularly in others. This week's opponents have not. Statistically, the Buckeyes are vastly superior in almost every way to Illinois. Because of the struggles the offense and defense for Ohio State have had at times, it is critical that the special teams take advantage of their superiority. If Illinois starts in poor field position and the Buckeyes in good, they have a chance for the upset.
PredictionsIllinois has been impressive on offense thus far in 2011, which has significantly contributed to their undefeated start. They currently rank 32nd nationally with 447.7 yards per game. The Illini are still strong running the ball, averaging 226.2 yards per game, good for 13th nationally, despite the loss of top back Mikel Leshoure to the NFL. However they have also made significant improvement in the passing game, averaging a healthy 239.2 yards per game, ranking T64 but way above last season, when they finished ranked below 100. They haven't thrown a lot of INTs (just 3) but they do have a penchant for giving up sacks (17 thus far, T10 nationally). They have been able to pile up 34.7 points per game, good for 30th nationally. The quality of the offense is reinforced by the number of first downs they have gained (134, T21) and by the impressive 50% of the third downs they have converted (T9). Clearly they have been able to run a ball control offense that is still build heavily on the run, but is also capable of producing big plays in the passing game, as the Northwestern game in particular highlighted. The Buckeye defense will have their work cut out for them on Saturday.
Quarterbacks
QB #2 Nathan Scheelhaase (6-3, 195, SO, Rockhurst HS, Kansas City, MO)
Dare I say that the Illini faithful are "Dancin' to the Scheelhaase Rock" these days, as the QB has led a highly potent offense in his second year at the helm. Last season he threw for just 1825 yards, but he has over 1200 in just a half season this year without seeing any major drop in his run production or the run production of the team. Last year he was named the conference's freshman of the week 6 times and its rookie of the year, and this season as a sophomore he should contend for postseason all-conference honors and is on the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien preseason lists. He's had only 2 really big statistical games passing the ball, the opener against Arkansas State where he threw for 267 yards and 2 TDs and the Northwestern game, where he threw for 391 yards and 3 scores. He also had 201 yards and 3 TDs last week against Indiana and the passing offense seems to be rounding into form just in time for the meat of the schedule. He's also been relatively effective on the ground, ranking second on the team in yards and TDs and breaking the 60 yard plateau 3 times, including 18 for 88 yards and a score last week against the overmatched Hoosiers. He has a very healthy 10/3 TD/INT ratio, and by in large he has made good decisions with the football this season. He will need to cut back on the sacks (15 thus far) but he also makes up for that with his effectiveness on the ground. He is a smart kid (Academic All-Big Ten) and a good leader, and he is the unquestioned centerpiece of the overall effectiveness of the Illini attack. Last year Ohio State's defense completely shut him down, as he had just 109 yards passing with an INT and just 12 rushing yards on 11 attempts, so he will be eager to get another shot at the Silver Bullets.
The primary backup is freshman Reilly O'Toole (#4). He is a big kid (6-4, 220) who appears to have quite a bit of upside. In limited duty this year he is 13/17 for 88 yards and a TD, with 3 carries for 12 yards on the ground. He appears capable of running the offense but the Illini need to keep their primary QB healthy.
QB Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Illinois QB versus OSU QB
Scheelhaase: 80/120 (66.7%), 1238 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs, 175.8 rating; 94/347, 4 TDs
Miller: 25/47 (53.2%), 386 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, 141.8 rating; 49/209, 0 TDs
Scheelhaase is one of the better players in the conference and will likely contend with Robinson and Wilson for all-conference honors at the end of the year. He is still just a sophomore and learning the nuances of the position, but the improvement from year 1 to year 2 in passing and decision making is palpable and it appears he is poised for one of the best careers ever for an Illini QB. His ability to run has been there from the beginning, but as his passing improves so will his value and success. It will be interesting to see how he contends with an Ohio State defense that dominated him last year...it is easy to make the argument that neither he nor the Ohio State defense are the same as they were then. On the flip side, the Buckeyes finally showed some signs of offensive life with Miller last weekend. He still needs a lot of work throwing the ball, but his ability to move the ball on the ground and the opportunities that will open up in the passing game because of that threat are already evident. Buckeye fans hope that his development will somewhat mirror that of Scheelhaase, who has clearly taken that proverbial "next step" this season.
Edge: Illinois
Running Backs
HB #21 Jason Ford (6-0, 235, SR, Althoff HS, Belleville, IL)
FB #35 Jay Prosch (6-0, 250, SO, UMS-Wright HS, Mobile, AL)
The primary opportunity to replace Leshoure has gone to the senior Ford, and he has struggled in that endeavor thus far. He had rushed for over 1000 yards and 11 TDs in the last 2 combined seasons as the primary reserve, so it made sense to think he would have a breakout season. In the opener, he had 22 carries for 86 yards and 2 TDs, and all seemed on track. However, he has not approached that level of production in the past 5 games, and he has started to see his workload decrease a bit. After having just 15 combined carries against Western Michigan and Northwester, he did have 16 last week against Indiana, but with just a 3.3 YPC average and 1 TD in the past 3 games, he has not had the kind of season many were expecting. He is not even on pace to exceed his 2009 totals as a sophomore reserve, so he will need a big second half to finish his career with a flourish. He had 6 carries for 27 yards and an 8 yard reception against the Buckeyes last year.
With Ford's struggles have emerged opportunities for other backs, including the primary backup, senior Troy Pollard (#28) who got his first start of the season (third career start) last week. He is averaging almost 10 yards a carry on 3 very impressive performances: 8 carries for 101 yards and a TD against South Dakota State, 14 for 133 against Western Michigan, and 9 for 92 last week against the Hoosiers. He played very sparingly over his first 3 years, carrying it just 41 times for a touch over 200 yards in his first 3 seasons. He is a smaller runner than Ford (5-8, 190) and has more breakaway speed, as his YPC attests to. A pair of promising freshmen, Donovonn Young (#5) and Josh Ferguson (#6) round out the chart. Young has gotten quote a bit of work recently and is in line for more opportunities. He had 12 carries for 100 yards against Western Michigan and 12 for 73 last week against Indiana, and has scored a TD in 2 of the previous 3 games. He has good size (6-0, 215) and reasonably good speed.
RB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Illinois RB versus OSU RB
Pollard: 37/361 yards, 1 TD, 9.8 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Ford: 85/279 yards, 5 TDs, 3.3 YPC; 7 rec/51 yards, 0 TDs, 7.3 YPR
Young: 47/314 yards, 4 TDs, 6.7 YPC; 3 rec/6 yards, 0 TDs, 2.0 YPR
Hyde: 75/400 yards, 5 TDs, 5.3 YPC; 9 rec/65 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Hall: 67/265 yards, 1 TD, 4.0 YPC; 1 rec/4 yards, 0 TDs, 4.0 YPR
Smith: 29/116 yards, 1 TD, 4.0 YPC; 2 rec/15 yards, 0 TDs, 7.5 YPR
Ford hasn't been able to remotely approach Leshoure's production from last season, and he has seen some of his carries go to the other backs in the past 3 games. The Illini do have a nice balance of 2 experienced seniors and 2 eager freshmen, and they have a nice combination of size, speed, and power amongst their 4 players. None of them are especially dangerous in the passing game, which more or less mirrors the Buckeyes as well. Ohio State has seen Hyde and Hall emerge as the primary contributors, with Hyde and his power running style really leading the way. It will be very interesting to see how Herron is worked back into the rotation. Neither team right now has an explosive or even primary feature back, but both have some nice role players who are trying to make the most of their opportunities.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
WR #80 Spencer Harris (6-3, 195, SO, Greenwood HS, Greenwood, AR)
WR #8 A.J. Jenkins (6-0, 190, SR, Terry Parker HS, Jacksonville, FL)
WR #15 Darius Millines (5-11, 185, SO, American Heritage HS, Boynton Beach, FL)
After leading the team by a very wide margin with 56 receptions for 746 yards and 7 TDs in 2010, the senior Jenkins is doing so again this season, and will likely decimate his 2010 numbers, as he has 46 receptions for 810 yards and 7 TDs already in a half season in 2011. He is a Biletnikoff Award candidate and a postseason conference award candidate who is currently 6th in the NCAA in yards per game. After cracking the 100 yard barrier just twice in 2010, he opened the 2011 season with 11 catches for 148 yards and a TD against Arkansas State and followed that up with 6 for 103 yards and a TD against a pesky Arizona State defense. When conference play started, he exploded for 12 receptions for 268 yards and 3 TDs against a Northwestern defense that had zero ability to cover him. He followed that up with 6 receptions for 182 yards and 2 TDs last week, and it appears as though he is one of the most dangerous players in the conference week in and week out. Against Ohio State last year he had just 1 reception for 16 yards, so he will be looking to really put the heat on the Buckeye secondary to continue his explosive momentum over the past 2 weeks. He has gamebreaking speed, runs good routes, and enough size to compete for the ball in the air. He is the total package and leads the B1G in most major categories this far in 2011.
After Jenkins the production precipitously declines. Harris is second on the team with just 13 receptions. He had a nice game against Northwestern (6 receptions, 63 yards) but has been sporadic otherwise. Millines had a big opener (5 receptions, 199 yards, TD) but has been battling a recent injury. His counterpart, fellow sophomore Ryan Lankford (#12) has started the past couple of games but has just 2 receptions for 7 yards on the season. The only other reserve with a catch is senior Fred Sykes (#17), who has 2. Senior Brandon Clear (#11) and freshmen Jordan Frysinger (#84) and Jake Kumerow (#81) round out the chart.
WR Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Illinois WRs versus OSU WRs
Jenkins: 46 catches, 815 yards, 7 TDs, 17.7 YPR
Millines: 10 catches, 174 yards, 1 TD, 17.4 YPR
Harris: 13 catches, 121 yards, 0 TDs, 9.3 YPR
Smith: 9 catches, 187 yards, 3 TDs, 20.8 YPR
Brown: 5 catches, 78 yards, 0 TDs, 15.6 YPR
Fields: 6 catches, 75 yards, 0 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Make no mistake, the overall rating is not a reflection of Jenkins, who is one of the most exciting players in the B1G. He is as good as they come, but depth is lacking. Harris, Millines, and Lankford will have to do enough to keep teams from blanketing Jenkins with 2 or even 3 members of the secondary from here on out. Obviously he destroyed Northwestern and Indiana, bu those teams are weak defensively and the Illini are heading to the meat of their schedule. The Buckeyes would be in a potentially similar situation of the had Posey, but his extended suspension means the young players will have to man the position for the remainder of the season. They are getting good experience but like the Illini (sans Jenkins) they are struggling to make plays on a consistent basis. Jenkins easily carries the day here by himself, but the remaining players on both sides need to step up.
Edge: Illinois
Tight Ends
TE #88 Evan Wilson (6-6, 250, SO, Woodstock HS, Woodstock, GA)
Wilson is a big and powerful TE who is a good blocker. He started 11 games last year as a freshman and caught 10 passes, so he already has quite a bit of game experience. He is a steady contributor who helps out with the run game on a consistent basis. His primary backup, true freshman Jon Davis (#3) is a bit smaller (6-3, 230) and faster. He was very highly regarded as a high school player (top prospect in Kentucky, #7 TE prospect by Scout.com) and he is already making his presence felt in the blocking and receiving areas. He has limitless potential and should form an intimidating tandem with Wilson in the years to come. Junior Eddie Viliunas (#83) will also see occasional time.
TE Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Illinois TE versus OSU TE
Wilson: 5 catches, 77 yards, 2 TDs, 15.4 YPR
Davis: 3 catches, 17 yards, 1 TD, 5.7 YPR
Stoneburner: 11 catches, 133 yards, 5 TDs, 12.1 YPR
Fragel: 4 catches, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Both teams have quality and depth at the position and both also have fans and media who have questioned why the position is not more involved for years. The Illini have 2 young and very good prospects, whereas Stoneburner is more polished and will likely lead the team in receiving this season. Blocking is not a problem for either team, it is more of a question of how involved the coaches and the QB choose to make them in the passing game.
Edge: Ohio State
Offensive Line
WT #71 Jeff Allen (6-5, 315, SR, King HS, Chicago, IL)
WG #72 Hugh Thornton (6-5, 310, JR, Oberlin HS, Oberlin, OH)
C #76 Graham Pocic (6-7, 305, JR, Lemont HS, Lemont, IL)
SG #73 Jack Cornell (6-6, 315, SR, Quincy Notre Dame HS, Quincy, IL)
ST #74 Michael Heitz (6-5, 295, FR, VIT HS, Vermont, IL)
The offensive line has played a big part in the success of Paul Petrino's offense, and the quality of their play is a big reason the Illini are 6-0. The line is anchored by Allen at WT, a man with 39 consecutive starts and a second team all-B1G on his resume' from 2010. The bruiser from Chicago is a team captain and is quick and agile for a man his size. He is polished in his technique and has good fundamentals and footwork. He also brings a lot of experience and leadership. At WG, Thornton, an Ohio product, is a versatile player with experience starting at T and G over the past 3 seasons. Like Allen he has similar size and good footwork and he is strong as a run blocker. In the middle, Pocic is in his second season as the starter and graded out as their second best lineman last year en route to being honorable mention all-conference. He is a smart player with a tremendous wingspan and good mobility. On the strong side, Cornell is another versatile player with some experience at tackle and guard. He is getting the chance to start this year after playing sparingly his first 2 and a half seasons, and he has made the most of his opportunity. He is a punishing run blocker along the interior. At ST, Heitz has broken into the lineup immediately after is redshirt season, and leads a group of strong prospects that will be Illinois' future along the front (see below). He is a touch smaller than the other lineman and is growing into the position, but he has shown plenty of potential and is a very agile tackle, which is advantageous with a mobile QB.
The reserves feature one junior and several young players eager for their opportunity. Junior Tyler Sands (#61) has played very sparingly thus far in his career and is the top reserve at WG, while sophomore Jake Feldmeyer (#67) is the backup at C but has also been seldom-used. The rest of the reserves are freshman, as Alex Hill (#52) is the top reserve at SG and Simon Cvijanovic (#68) and Scott McDowell (#66) man the tackle spots.
OL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Illinois OL versus OSU OL
Allen is easily the best of the group for the Illini and is the kind of mainstay that anchors a successful line. Though the line has given up some sacks, there is no arguing with the punishing running game or the increased production in the passing game, giving the offense some badly needed balance. This line is physical enough to compete in a tough B1G while also being agile enough to run Petrino's scheme. Big plays downfield have increased this season, as the protection from the line has played a big role in that. The Illini are peaking at the start of B1G season at just the right time. The Buckeyes looked much better for 3 quarters last week, but they still need better pass blocking, less silly motion penalties, and the ability to put games away in the fourth quarter with leads by running the ball effectively.
Edge: Illinois
Overall Offensive Analysis
Paul Petrino has revitalized the Illinois attack just in time to keep Ron Zook at the helm. After a significant improvement last season which relied almost solely on a punishing ground attack, they have diversified their plan this season and have gotten more out of the passing game. The Illini have legitimate stars in Scheelhaase, Jenkins, and Allen, and unlike years past that featured other stars like Juice Williams, Benn, and Leshoure, the supporting cast is better, the offensive scheme is better, they play much better as a unit, and they have a good deal more confidence. They are also able to play more consistently week to week, something that has been lacking at Illinois for quite some time. The Buckeyes will have their hands full this weekend with this unit, and they will have to stuff the running game early and get pressure on the QB if they want to dictate the run of play. The Buckeyes dominated the one-dimensional Illini last year, but Illinois is much improved since then and the defense doesn't have as much help from the offense to keep them off the field as they had last season. If Illinois finishes with balanced statistics, expect a W in their column. If the Buckeyes can eliminate the running game early, they will have a good chance to win.
Overall Offensive Rating: B+
2011 Illinois Fighting Illini Defensive Preview
Since joining the Illinois staff as Defensive Coordinator, Vic Koenning has brought enormous, immediate and continuing improvement in the Fighting Illini defense. A native of Owasa, Oklahoma and a 1983 graduate of Kansas State, Koenning played for the NFL's Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers and also for the USFL's Oklahoma Outlaws after a solid career with the Wildcats. The former linebacker became a graduate assistant at Memphis in 1986 and gradually made his way up the coaching ranks. When he left Memphis in 1996 Koenning was in charge of DBs. In 1997, Koenning accepted the position of Defensive Coordinator at Wyoming as Joe Tiller's staff was being replaced upon Tiller's departure to Purdue. After three seasons, Koenning was named head coach, a position he held from 2000-2002. He left Wyoming for Troy, and after two seasons there joined Clemson's staff as a defensive coordinator. From his days at Clemson, Koenning became co-defensive coordinator at his alma mater for one season, 2009. Koenning's teams have generally been productive units, but a change made last year took the Illini to the next level. With the inclusion of the "Bandit" position the Illinois defense has made improvements across the board in every defensive category. The numbers below comprise big improvement from last year, which was a big, across-the-board improvement from 2009.
Stats......|.Pts..|Tot Yds.|Rush.|Pass.|INT...|Fumbl|Sacks.|3rd D..|.pct.|
Illinois...|.17.8.| 296.7..|.79.7|217.0|.7-42.|.10-5|22-126|29-89..|.33%.|
Ohio State.|.17.8.| 308.2..|116.7|191.5|.7-48.|.10-3|12-75.|27-86..|.31%.|
...........|1st Ds|TDs R|TDs P|RedZone|.pct.|Tds...|.pct.|.TOF.|
Illinois...|..99..|..4..|..7..|.12-16.|.75%.|.8-16.|.50%.|27:21|
Ohio State.|..90..|..4..|..9..|.11-14.|.79%.|.9-14.|.64%.|28:57|
The above numbers show that, unlike most years, the Illini defense is statistically superior to the Silver Bullets based on the raw numbers. While the teams have surrendered exactly the same number of points thus far this year and are tied at 17th nationally in that metric, the Illini rank ahead of the Buckeyes in most of the other categories.
The Buckeyes have slightly better pass defense numbers, but are uncharacteristically soft against the run this year. On balance, the Illini give up fewer total yards. While the Buckeyes do have slightly superior 3rd down performance and have managed to give up fewer first downs, the Illini tighten up better in the red zone. The real difference in these teams though is in negative plays. Illinois ranks 45 spots ahead of Ohio State nationally in Sacks, and are 62 spots ahead in Tackles For Loss.
Defensive Line
DE #85 Whitney Mercilus, (6-4, 265, Jr.)
DT #94 Akeem Spence, (6-1, 305, So.)
DT #47Glenn Foster, (6-4, 260, Jr.)
BANDIT #99 Michael Buchanan, (6-6, 240, Jr.),
Mercilus is the most productive member of this outstanding unit. He is leading the unit in Sacks, Tackles for Loss, Solo Tackles, Quarterback Hurries and Forced Fumbles. His 8.5 sacks are the most in FBS and those sacks have set opponents back 55 yards which is one short of the nation's best sack yardage total. He is also fourth in the nation in Forced Fumbles with 4. Mercilus is serving as a Captain against the Buckeyes, marking the third time this year he has held the honor. On the other side of the line is Bandit Michael Buchanan. Last year he was a projected starter coming out of spring ball, and you read in these pages that "Buchanan could do well in the Bandit role if he adds some more beef to his 6-6 frame". Fifteen pounds of beef later, #99 is leading the unit in tackles and is second to Mercilus in sacks. On the interior of the line are Spence and Foster. Like Buchanan, Foster is experienced and was projected to be a starter last year coming out of spring ball. He is still a bit undersized for the tackle position but he makes up for it with quickness, which resulted in an interception against Arizona State. Spence is used primarily to eat up blockers.
While the Illinois' defensive line is stout, these trenches are not particularly deep. Only back-up bandit Justin Staples has recorded a tackle in every game. None has more than one sack. What depth there is comes from DE #59 Tim Kynard (6-3, 260, So.); Defensive Tackles #79 Craig Wilson (6-5, 320, Sr.), #44 Austin Teitsma (6-2, 265, r-Fr.), #96 Wisdom Onyegbule (6-3, 285, Sr.), #95 Jake Howe (6-3, 290, r-Fr.); and bandits #54 Justin Staples (6-4, 235, Jr.) and #8 Brandon Denmark (6-4, 225, So.).
DL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Illinois versus OSU DL
The Illini front wall are a big reason why the team has improved in both Rushing Defense and Sack production over last year. They have been significantly more productive than their Scarlet & Grey counterparts. While the Buckeyes have played slighly better offenses on average; how much better is debatable as South Dakota State skews the mean for the Illini opponents. Regardless, the difference in opponents is not significant enough to explain the vast difference in results.
Edge: Illinois
Linebackers
SLB #9 Trulon Henry, (6-1, 230, Sr.)
MLB #38 Ian Thomas, (6-1, 235, Sr.)
WLB #45 Jonathan Brown (6-1, 235, So.)
With the loss of Montez Wilson, this group wasn't supposed to be as good as they've shown through the first half of 2011. Ian Thomas, the man in the middle, leads the way with 34 tackles including 7 for loss. He is back to his natural position after one season at Will. Trulon Henry brings experience to the Sam Linebacker position. The Junior College transfer (DuPage) earned Honorable Mention All Big Ten honors at free safety for the Illini last year. He packed on 15 pounds of muscle to make the position change, and he looks and plays bigger than his official weight. He has 2 interceptions on the year, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Arrelious Benn, formerly of Illinois fame and now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is Trulon's younger brother. Jonathan Brown has missed some starts due to injury, but is a handful when healthy. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the week against Arizona State.
Backing up the starting corps are #25 Ashante Williams, (5-11, 205, Jr.), #48 Henry Dickinson (6-4, 230, Fr.), #30 Houston Bates, (6-3, 240, rFr.) and #42 Ralph Cooper (6-1, 230, Fr.). Bates is the only one of the backups who has made an impact this year, having started two games and earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors for his effort against Arkansas State.
LB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Illinois versus OSU LBs
While the Illinois defense has put up better numbers than the Buckeyes thus far, their young linebacking corps has been free to run around and make plays. They have yet to be tested by a team that can handle their defensive line and get blockers to the second level. Even so, the Buckeyes have underperformed so far this year and have missed assignments and tackles with alarming regularity, at last by Ohio State standards. This one is hard to call, but we'll have to go with production over potential.
Edge: Illinois
Secondary
CB #3 Tavon Wilson, (6-0, 205, Sr.)
FS #7 Supo Sanni, (6-3, 220, Jr.)
SS #5 Steve Hull, (6-2, 200, So.)
CB #1 Terry Hawthorne (6-0, 190 Jr.) -OR-
CB #26 Justin Green (5-11, 195 Jr.)
Both of the Illini safeties are new this year, even though the starters from last year are also starters for the 2011 Illini. Like Trulon Henry, who left the Free Safety position to Supo Sanni so as to man the Sam LB spot; so Tavon Wilson has moved from Strong Safety to Cornerback. The move has worked out well for the Illini if last week is any indication. Wilson had a team-high 11 tackles (9 solos) including 3.5 for loss and a sack. He through in a pass break-up and a 66 yard fumble return for 6 points for good measure. The performance earned him Big Ten and CFPA National Defensive Player of the Week honors. The new safeties have adapted to their roles well, as they have 55 tackles and two interceptions between them. Terry Hawthorne seems to be the best option at the other cornerback spot, with 28 tackles and an interception on the year, though that starting spot lists him OR Justin Green.
Depth comes from: #4 Pat Nixon-Youman (5-10, 180, Jr.) for both safety spots while #19 Jack Ramsey (5-11, 200, Jr.) and #28 Valdon Cooper (5-11, 170, Fr.) backup the corners. As with the other Illini defenders, none of the backups have yet to make a significant impact.
DB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Illinois versus OSU DBs
While the Fighting Illini backfield benefits from a much better pass rush on the front end than is enjoyed by the Ohio State DBs, they have produced the same number of interceptions. It is notable though, that Illinois has faced several competent passing teams this year, while the Buckeyes have yet to face a quarterback anything like Nathan Scheelhaase. While the Ohio State backfield is deeper, it once again comes down to on-the-field production.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
The Season-Through-The-Looking-Glass continues for the Buckeyes. In most years, it is the Illini who are said to have great potential that they have yet to reach. 2011 is turning out to be the year when Illinois puts it all together while the Buckeyes are left to wonder "What if?". While the Silver Bullets continue to have uncharacteristic breakdowns, the aggressive and opportunistic nature of the Illinois defense has allowed them to make big plays at critical junctures. They rank 6th nationally in Sacks, 8th in Tackles for Loss and 9th in Rushing Defense. They have also forced a turnover in 21 straight games, the longest such streak in the nation.
Overall Defensive Rating: B
2011 Illinois Fighting Illini Special Teams Preview
The Buckeyes look to right the ship and salvage the season this weekend as they invade Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini. The Special Teams units may play a large role in this game and the statistics appear to give Ohio State an edge in every facet.
2011 Statistics (NCAA)
Illinois
Punting:
Justin DuVernois 20 for 764 yards, 38.2 avg, 49 long, 1 touchback, 5 inside the 20 (not enough punts to qualify for ranking)
Team: 24 for 869 yards, 36.2 avg (112th Nationally)
Placekicking:
Derek Dimke 7-7 FGs, 23-23 PATs (80th Nationally in scoring)
Punt Returns:
Ryan Lankford 12 for 38 yards, 3.2 avg, 11 long (68th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Troy Pollard 9 for 160 yards, 17.8 avg, 29 long
A.J. Jenkins 5 for 79 yards, 15.8 avg, 20 long
Darius Millines 5 for 105 yards, 21.0 avg, 26 long
Terry Hawthorne 1 for 0 yards
Team 20 for 344 yards, 17.2 avg, 29 long (117th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
4 for 43 yards, 10.75 avg (93rd Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
29 for 688 yards, 1 TD, 23.72 avg, 8 touchbacks (100th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan 35 for 1462 yards 41.77 avg (38th Nationally)
Placekicking
Drew Basil 7 of 9 FGs, 17-17 PATs
Punt Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Chris Fields 5 for 88 yards, 17.60 avg, 1 TD, 69 long
Jordan Hall 4 for 59 yards, 14.80 avg, 27 long
Corey Brown 2 for 28 yards, 14.00 avg, 17 long
Devin Smith 1 for 3 yards, 3.00 avg, 3 long
Team: 12 for 178 yards, 14.80 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (13th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Jordan Hall 9 for 303 yards, 33.7 avg, 90 long
Jaamal Berry 7 for 150 yards, 21.40 avg, 28 long
Corey Brown 1 for 44 yards
Chris Fields 1 for 15 yards
Tony Jackson 1 for 10 yards
Team: 14 for 406 yards, 29.00 avg, 90 long (6th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
14 for 112 yards, 8.00 avg (71st Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
24 for 413 yards, 17.21 avg, 5 touchbacks (10th Nationally)
Special Teams
Illinois (Rivals)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#13 Derek Dimke (6-0, 180, Sr., Boylan HS, Rockford, IL)
#26 Taylor Zalewski (6-3, 200, Fr., Carl Sandburg HS, Orland Park, IL)
Punter:
#18 Justin DuVernois (6-1, 190, Fr., St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Plantation, FL)
#12 Ryan Lankford (6-0, 175, So., Paxson HS, Jacksonville, FL)
Punt Returners:
#1 Terry Hawthorne (6-0, 190, Jr., East St. Louis HS, East St. Louis, IL)
#19 Jack Ramsey (5-11, 200, Jr., Simeon HS, Chicago, IL)
#28 Troy Pollard (5-8, 190, Sr., Andrew Jackson HS, Jacksonville, FL)
Kickoff Returners:
#15 Darius Millines (5-11, 185, So., American Heritage HS, Boynton Beach, FL)
#28 Troy Pollard (5-8, 190, Sr., Andrew Jackson HS, Jacksonville, FL)
#1 Terry Hawthorne (6-0, 190, Jr., East St. Louis HS, East St. Louis, IL)
Holder:
#86 Tim Russell (6-6, 220, So., St. Charles HS, St. Charles, IL)
Long Snapper:
#46 Zak Pedersen (6-2, 215, Jr., Catholic HS, Joliet, IL)
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Punt Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, So., Palmetto HS, Pinecrest, FL)
Head-to-Head Illinois Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team: The Illini have used 2 punters so far this year, Justin DuVernois and Ryan Lankford. Neither has experienced much success to this point averaging only 38 yards per punt, near the bottom of the rankings. The Illini punt return defense has only allowed 4 returns all year, but give up and average of over 10 yards per return. The Buckeyes have been very good returning punts this year, ranking 13th in the nation with a 14.8 avg per return. All three of Hall, Brown and Fields are a threat to take any punt to the house. Each has a return of at least 17 yards this season.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head Illinois Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team: As with the punt return unit, the Illinois kickoff defense has been spotty so far this year. They rank 100th in the nation in average, giving up 23.72 per return, and have already allowed a touchdown. Ohio State's kickoff return team continues to impress, averaging 29 yards per return to rank 6th nationally. Hall is averaging a glittering 33 yards per return and Corey Brown returned his only kickoff 44 yards. The speedy Chris Fields rounds out the return unit.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head Ohio State Punt team vs. Illinois Punt Return Team: In what is turning out to be a difficult year for the Buckeyes, the Special Teams' play is one of the few bright spots. This includes the punt return defense. While their stats aren't exciting (8 yards per return), they haven't allowed any big plays. Buchanon is having a decent year booming his punts at the rate of 41 yards per kick. For the Illini, Ryan Lankford has returned all of the punts they have fielded this year and is averaging only 3.2 yards per return.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Illinois Kickoff Return Team: This is where the biggest discrepancy between the teams comes in. Illinois has had a miserable year returning kicks, averaging only 17.2 yards per return, to rank 117th, ahead of only Arkansas State, Memphis and Mississippi State in the entire FBS. In contrast, the kickoff defense unit may be the strength of the OSU special teams. The Buckeyes rank 10th nationally defending the kick, giving up an average of only 17 yards per return and more importantly no big plays.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
The Buckeyes' special teams have played solidly in most areas of special teams and spectacularly in others. This week's opponents have not. Statistically, the Buckeyes are vastly superior in almost every way to Illinois. Because of the struggles the offense and defense for Ohio State have had at times, it is critical that the special teams take advantage of their superiority. If Illinois starts in poor field position and the Buckeyes in good, they have a chance for the upset.
BB73's prediction: 23-20, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 16-27, Illinois
Bucky Katt's prediction: 16-24, Illinois
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 9-27, Illinois
jwinslow's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 28-21, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 16-27, Illinois
Bucky Katt's prediction: 16-24, Illinois
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 9-27, Illinois
jwinslow's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 28-21, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 27, Nebraska 34)
(126) BB73's prediction: 23-17, Nebraska (21 + 105 last week = 126)
(131) jwinslow's prediction: 21-13, Nebraska (27 + 104 last week = 131)
(140) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 34-17, Nebraska (10 + 130 last week = 140)
(141) Bucklion's prediction: 24-10 Nebraska (27 + 114 last week = 141)
(145) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 26-13, Nebraska (22 + 123 last week = 145)
(147) Bucky Katt's prediction: 23-10, Nebraska (28 + 119 last week = 147)
(164) JCOSU86's prediction: xx-xx, Nebraska (28 + 136 last week= 164)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
(126) BB73's prediction: 23-17, Nebraska (21 + 105 last week = 126)
(131) jwinslow's prediction: 21-13, Nebraska (27 + 104 last week = 131)
(140) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 34-17, Nebraska (10 + 130 last week = 140)
(141) Bucklion's prediction: 24-10 Nebraska (27 + 114 last week = 141)
(145) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 26-13, Nebraska (22 + 123 last week = 145)
(147) Bucky Katt's prediction: 23-10, Nebraska (28 + 119 last week = 147)
(164) JCOSU86's prediction: xx-xx, Nebraska (28 + 136 last week= 164)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.