College Game Preview: #3 Ohio State vs Illinois
For a second straight week, the reigning National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes are ranked as the third team in the College Football Playoffs. After being suspended for one game for an off-the-field incident, quarterback J.T. Barrett is due to start against the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Wes Lunt will once again get the start for Illinois, looking to build on his 2,000 passing yards season. The junior is having his best season to date and has become one of the biggest passing threats in the Big Ten.
Players to Watch
No. 16 J.T. Barrett, Ohio State QB
Everyone knows about the headache Ohio State has been dealing with all season at the quarterback position. After starting the year on the bench, J.T. Barrett has surpassed Cardale Jones as the clear starter for the undefeated Buckeyes. After sitting a week following a drunk driving arrest, Barrett has been handed back the reigns and is looking to lead Ohio State to a third consecutive playoff poll selection.
No. 8 Geronimo Allison, Illinois WR
While Geronimo Allison isn’t a household name outside of the Big Ten, his play is starting to draw heads across the country. Allison is going to be your deep ball receiver with excellent hands and ball control. Unfortunately, if he isn’t running the go-routes, his lack of production in the short game shines. If he gets more than four catches, expect Illinois to be in the game through the end.
No. 15 Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State, RB
One of the best running backs in the country resides on the Buckeyes squad. Ezekiel Elliot is third in the country in rushing touchdowns with 14 and sixth in rushing yards with over 1200 yards. Most likely a first round pick in next years draft, Elliott will have to battle against a rush defense that only allows 140 rushing yards per game. J.T. Barrett needs to spread the ball out in order to open up space for Elliott.
No. 91 Dawuane Smoot, Illinois DE
Like Geronimo Allison, Smoot is not a big name among most college football fans. He’s sixth in the conference in sacks, fifth in yards lost, and uses his raw talent to rank as one of the best tacklers in the Big Ten. He’s the Illini’s primary LEO rusher, meaning his sole job is to get into the backfield and create tackles for loss.
Key Stats
Ohio State is looking for its 16th straight win on the road and have never lost a road game with Urban Meyers at the helm. The Buckeye’s also haven’t lost to Illinois since they were upset in 2007.
Illinois has been ranked within the top ten of the Big Ten in both scoring offense and defense, while hold the third best passing offense in the conference. Despite that note, Illinois is one of the lowest ranked rushing offense in the conference, despite the consistent play of their highly touted freshman Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
Prediction
Ohio State Wins 38-18 and continues to ride on their undefeated season. Illinois remains one game short of becoming bowl game eligible and will look to revive their season against Minnesota next weekend.