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.

[Palpie]

Any ideas on what the coverage map will be like? And what are the other 3:30 abc games (or where can I find them)?

[DaytonBuck]

Originally Posted by Jaxbuck

They are a one trick pony on offense, average at best on defense, thin, not used to winning and prone to making big mistakes. They are also coached by Ron Zook.

You have to respect everyone you play but there is no need to fear Illinois. They just aren't that good.

There's no way this guy is out coaching Tressel. Illinois doesn't have enough talent to beat us at home. They have some play makers on offense in Benn and Mendenhall but Juice is too inconsistent for them to be able to win. I can't see Juice having a big day on the road against the D. If Illinois gets forced into having to throw the football often it'll be long day for the Zooker.

[osugrad21]

Lima

OSU shouldn?t need wake-up call against Illinois
Jim Naveau | jnaveau@limanews.com - 11.05.2007

COLUMBUS ? Illinois tailback Rashard Mendenhall could have easily set the school single-season rushing record during a 44-17 win over Minnesota last Saturday.
But early in the fourth quarter, he told the Illini?s coaches to put his younger brother Walter, a freshman, into the game and let him get some playing time.
Ohio State can?t expect the same generosity from Mendenhall when Illinois comes to Ohio Stadium on Saturday (3:30 p.m., ABC-TV).
Much was made of the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes (10-0, 6-0 Big Ten) getting a bit of a scare by falling behind Wisconsin in the third quarter before winning 38-17 on Saturday.

Cont..

[osugrad21]

MJ

Buckeyes finally solve defensive riddle
JASON LLOYD, Morning Journal Writer
11/05/2007



COLUMBUS -- Ever since Florida took away every offensive option for Ohio State in the national championship game, the book was officially published on how to go about stopping the Buckeyes' attack.


Wisconsin, at least for a short while, seemed to have that copy on loan.

''They did'' look like Florida, receiver Brian Hartline said. ''We showed at least we weren't scared of it still.''

Florida's defense dominated Ohio State by bringing enough pressure with the defensive line and dropping the linebackers into coverage. Doing that clogs up the underneath routes and makes the short passing game of minimal use.

Wisconsin, at least for awhile, did the same thing.


Cont...

[osugrad21]

Link

Illini put Minnesota behind them, gear up for Ohio State

Associated Press



MINNEAPOLIS --

Rashard Mendenhall took the handoff and plowed through the middle of the Minnesota defense for 13 yards until he was finally taken down.Illinois was well in control early in the fourth quarter, but coach Ron Zook didn't let up. He went for it on fourth-and-1 from midfield with a 27-point lead, perhaps realizing the more momentum the better.
"Sometimes it's hard not to overlook a team, but I think it speaks to our coaching staff that we made sure to focus on this game," Zook said after his team's 44-17 victory at the Metrodome. "We knew that we couldn't get ahead of ourselves, and we had to take care of business here."



Cont...

[osugrad21]

Link

With Buckeyes looming, Illinois wants more respect

By Stu Durando
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

11/05/2007



Apparently there is still some degree of respect that Illinois must earn despite sitting alone in third place in the Big Ten this week behind only Ohio State and Michigan.

To get there, the Illini defeated Penn State and Wisconsin. Yet, they are garnering fewer votes than either of those teams in the USA Today coaches poll and fewer than the Nittany Lions in the Associated Press rankings.

And it's been that way for four consecutive weeks in one or both polls.

"It goes back to respect being something you have to continually fight for and earn,'' Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "Until you do it on a consistent basis, that's the way it's going to be.

Cont...

[buckeyeinfla]

trap game? maybe if cooper was still the coach....i certainly think this team is on a mission and they are fully aware of the stakes at hand...dont think barton will allow the team to slide on his senior day...they will be ready...

[kartaron]

Originally Posted by osugrad21

MJ

Buckeyes finally solve defensive riddle
JASON LLOYD, Morning Journal Writer
11/05/2007



COLUMBUS -- Ever since Florida took away every offensive option for Ohio State in the national championship game, the book was officially published on how to go about stopping the Buckeyes' attack.


Wisconsin, at least for a short while, seemed to have that copy on loan.

''They did'' look like Florida, receiver Brian Hartline said. ''We showed at least we weren't scared of it still.''

Florida's defense dominated Ohio State by bringing enough pressure with the defensive line and dropping the linebackers into coverage. Doing that clogs up the underneath routes and makes the short passing game of minimal use.

Wisconsin, at least for awhile, did the same thing.


Cont...

I knew that looked similar. One reason is that on the Florida game and the first half of this one, we werent running the ball often despite having good ypc. Good thing we solved that in the second half.