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Fightin' Illini KO Buckeyes

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Last game: Michigan State 23, Ohio State 7

Next game: Nov. 20th Ohio State at Michigan

A piece of OSU turf was the only thing worth taking from OSU's game against Illinois. The only other bright spots were Matt Keller and Michael Wiley as they played thier last home game.

Buckeyes Must Beat Wolverines to Go

The inept Ohio State offense continued this week against the Illinois. However, this time the ineptness also spread to the defense. They were unable to stop the Illinois offensive attack.

The offense was able to gain some yards, however they constantly shot themselves in the foot, stalling their own drives and giving Illinois great opportunities to score. The Buckeyes gained 384 yards, a much better total than the 79 they had last week against the Spartans. However, it was not enough to keep up with the mistakes.

The Buckeyes have really put themselves in a hole. The loss will drop the Buckeyes out of the AP Top Twenty-five for the first time in some 70 weeks. Their record now drops to 6-5, 3-4 in the Big Ten. A few weeks ago, it was could the Buckeyes make a New Years Day Bowl. Now, it's can the Buckeyes even make a bowl? Because they added the Kick-off Classic, they must win seven games to become bowl eligible. With the two losses to Michigan State and Illinois, they Buckeyes must win at Michigan just to make it to a bowl. If they lose, it'll be the first time in ten years that the Buckeyes have been home for the holidays.

Too many mistakes hurt offense

Well the offensive output was much better this week than it was a week ago in Lansing. The Buckeyes gained a total of 384 yards, an improvement from 79. However, it is startling that the Buckeyes can only score twenty points against an Illinois defense that gave up twenty-four to Iowa a week ago.

  • The main reason the Buckeyes lost was the constant self-destruction. They fumbled the ball away twice, leading to Illinois scores. Bellisari also threw an interception that stalled the momentum that they had gained.

  • There was one bright spot for the Buckeyes. IN Michael Wiley's last game at the 'Shoe, he rushed for 128 yards on 19 carries. He had two touchdowns; runs of 35 and 6.

  • Wiley ended his career at the 'Shoe with a six yard touchdown run. He also started his career with a touchdown run against Rice in 1996.

  • Matt Keller caught 3 passes for 57 yards, including a 38 yards touchdown.

  • Where would the Buckeyes be had Keller not missed most of the season with an ankle injury? The offensive line could have used his help blocking and he is a great threat out of the backfield.
    • Defense must get ready for Wolverines

    Gary Berry's absence really hurt the Buckeyes. Berry, who suffered a knee injury in the MSU game, did not play against Illinois. The Buckeyes kept the injury a secret, but Illini quarterback Kurt Kittner had no trouble finding the soft spot as he connected for 4 touchdown passes.

  • The defense can not be blamed for most of the scores. They were set up by offensive turnovers, and many of the Illini TD's were of the fluky variety.

  • Granted this is not the same "Silver Bullet" defense of last season, but Fred Pagac believes that the defense will be ready to play against the Wolverines.

  • Michael Doss did a good job filling in for Berry recording 10 tackles.

  • Na'il Diggs added 10 tackles, and Percy King lead all tacklers with 11.
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