Julian Sayin and Ohio State face a second tricky road test in Champaign against a feisty Illinois squad playing with history on its side.

Another road test for Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes as they take on Illinois in Champaign. This is a Top-20 matchup as Ohio State looks to continue its dominance. Illinois, on the other hand, seeks its signature win to vault into the thick of the Big Ten and College Football Playoff race.

Let’s check in with the team for TSB Staff Picks: Illinois Edition.

Dave: Ohio State 31 Illinois 13

Blake: Can any team manage to sustain three scoring drives against this Ohio State defense? No opponent has been successful yet, but this week it’s Illinois’ turn. The Fighting Illini are a respectable foe, and playing in Champaign is not where Ohio State plays its best football historically. Luke Altmyer is one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten and also one of the most veteran in the country. That will bode well for Illinois, as Matt Patricia’s defense may not be able to disguise itself as many looks.

However, Ohio State is playing like the most complete team in the country, and Julian Sayin has been locked in under center. Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate could break a few big plays that were designed for short to intermediate yardage. The key to the game is the line of scrimmage. Can Illinois block Ohio State up front on either side? The Buckeyes are too good defensively and control the game. The offense does its job again. Ohio State 34 Illinois 7

Dan: Ohio State rolls into Champaign and makes a statement. There will be no “sleepy” 11 AM start in this one. The Ohio State offense will dice the Illinois defense. However, Illinois will get over the double-digit mark in points thanks to the efforts of Luke Altmyer and Hank Beatty. Buckeyes win 38-14

Cass: Champaign has always given the Buckeyes fits. I think the Buckeyes come out a little sluggish, possibly trailing at halftime, but then come out and play their game, dominating in the second half. Buckeyes win 28-13

Carson H: The spread opened at Ohio State -16.5 and is currently set at -14.5. The over/under total opened at 48.5 and is currently at 49.5. I see some points up for grabs in this one for two talented offenses. The Ohio State defense has been the best unit in the country, and will look to get after Altmyer in this one.

It will be strength on strength when Illinois has the ball, as both their offense and the Ohio State defense have proven themselves. When Ohio State has the ball, Illinois will have its hands full, as they have some injuries and has been prone to giving up big yardage. I think Julian Sayin and the offense will have their way, primarily through the air.

If Ohio State can jump out to an early lead, this one has the potential to be a blowout. I think it will be a pretty competitive game, especially in the first half, with the early 11 am local time start. This is another game where you need your stars to be stars, and I think Ryan Day’s crew will be more than prepared for this one. Ohio State 38 Illinois 13

AJ: Ohio State pulls it out despite a fight from Illinois. I think the Illini are a good team and can keep up with anyone in the Big Ten, as their game against Indiana was a major fluke. 

I expect the defense to be a big key late and to have a significant impact on this game. Look out for Will Smith Jr., Kayden McDonald, and Eddrick Houston to have big games in the middle, given how much the Illini like to run Feagin. Ohio State 27 Illinois 13