OSU at Illinois
November 15
Overview:
OSU has lost only two conference games since 2005; Penn
State in 2005 to give JoePa his 314th win and last years “no fumble” game with Illinois. Revenge is a harsh word rather redemption
would be a more fitting title to this contest.
19 returning starters and 27 seniors have had this game circled for the
past year and the Bucks won’t disappoint.
By Pete Quint
Preview:
Juice Williams is back at quarterback for the Illini but
will he have more control over his passing game. I’ve said before that Jim Tressel trouble has
always been a mobile quarterback and Juice is as mobile as they come but his
accuracy has been suspect. Illinois doesn’t have
the big ground game they had last year and will have to rely on Juice’s arm to
move the ball against the Buckeye defense.
On the other side of the ball Illinois’
defense looks like the Illinois
of the past. This veteran unit got to
Todd Boeckman mentally and physically last year and they will be ready to
repeat the performance. Boeckman will
need to keep his composure and lead the Buckeyes to victory.
Outcome:
The Buckeyes will be riding an emotional high during the
game. The defense wants to prove that
last year was a fluke and the offense wants to punch the Illini in the
mouth. Boeckman’s head needs to be on
straight and Beanie needs to run like Eddie did in 1995. If Boeckman struggles make note that Terrell
Pryor will be the change of pace OSU needs to grind out a victory. I think this one will get personal.