Illinois 28, Ohio State 21 (final)

[Buckeyeskickbuttocks]

We like to say how great Tressel is at motivation, and I do honestly believe it. So, with regard to the "Trap" talk... 17 - 10. I have serious doubts that Tressel will allow this team to forget that, score wise, the 2006 Buckeyes damn near screwed the pooch against this very team.

[Gatorubet]

Originally Posted by DaddyBigBucks

If you're still worried, I have two words for you: Ron Zook.

Two more words to consider: Jim Tressel.

Any questions?

I'd be a little worried, as his MO is to win big games that he is not supposed to, and then fail to follow it up. That is why Zook and a freshman qb beat LSU in Baton Rouge the year that they won the BCS. That is why Zook beat FSU in Tally on the day that they dedicated Bobby Bowden Field, the first FSU defeat by UF at its house in many years.

He's the kind of Caoch who'll beat an Ohio State and then lose to Akron.

So while he is not a threat in general, he has to be on your radar, if for no other reason than his odd history of wins in big games.

[buckeyemania11]

I dont think this has a chance to be a trap game, since last year ohio state kind of sleep walked through the illinois game, tressel will have them up for it this year

buckeyes win big

[MililaniBuckeye]

Probably one of the best things to happen to us this year was falling behind Wisconsin yesterday in the third quarter. Reasons are:

• Wake-up call to the defense, in they gave up not not only the first offensive TD against at home, but then the second one immediately after that...about 170 yards in those two drives
• Re-galvanized an offense that, after scoring a TD on a solid opening drive, sputtered fairly badly
• Most importantly, it got the players--especially key players like Beanie and the OL--refocused on the task at hand, which is winning out

I think we will find a Buckeye team this weekend that will be 100% focused and motivated...the finish line is in sight.

[Yertle]

Originally Posted by Buckeyeskickbuttocks

We like to say how great Tressel is at motivation, and I do honestly believe it. So, with regard to the "Trap" talk... 17 - 10. I have serious doubts that Tressel will allow this team to forget that, score wise, the 2006 Buckeyes damn near screwed the pooch against this very team.

I wouldn't really say that we nearly screwed the pooch last year. Illinois scored very late to make it a 7 point game. I'd say it was more like this year's MSU game. Ignoring the third potential turnover that Wells fell on, I never really got nervous, even though it was only a 7-point game.

But, in general I agree with your point. Last year's Illinois game will assure that this team will not overlook this game... on senoir day... Buckeyes in a tight game in the first half and a walk in the park in the second. Illinois doesn't have the depth or strength to hang for more than 2-1/2 quarters.

Illini 13
Buckeyes 31

[bukIpower]

I can give Zook winning at LSU but winning at FSU is not as daunting as it use to be.

The thing again that makes me think OSU puts this one away 31-10 is that illinois just has NO BALANCE. If the best way to use your best reciever is to run options and reverses with him that doesn't speak highly of the QB's ability to get the recievers the ball under heat. Illinois will have success early, and I'll be sitting here screaming "dammit load the box", but after the first quarter our defense will force Juice Williams to throw the ball and it'll get ugly. We pull away on 140 yards from Beanie and an efficient night from Todd.

Also lets remember last year... In game 10 of last year we got a scare from Illinois much like we did against Wisconsin (atleast we were losing in the late 3rd). What did we do the week after that agianst NW? We came out with a renewed focus and we made sure we got to Michigan week undefeated. Now we do have a tougher team that NW, but we are at home and it's senior night. That same focus will be there and we should be in good condition..

[Bobby Hoying]

I think this is going to be like the Washington game:

A great dual threat QB, that can't throw. But Ill probably does have a better RB.