The Silver Bulletin staff makes predictions for Ohio State vs. Illinois as both teams open Big Ten conference play.

Ohio State and Illinois met again to battle for the Illibuck. Wide receiver talent will be on full display in Columbus as Collin Dixon comes to town and shares a field with Jeremiah Smith. Which WR has the better day?

The Silver Bulletin’s staff shares their game predictions for the Buckeyes and the Illini:

Dave

The Buckeyes win comfortably.

Ohio State 38, Illinois 7

Blake Biscardi

Ryan Day and the Buckeyes experimented against Ball State and Kent State with personnel groupings and packages. Ohio State unfortunately let Texas slip away, but I think they know what they have, and we will see some of what we have been expecting. Those data points will translate, and Ohio State will look like a different team heading into conference play.

The running game will get going early, but not be forced. Whereas Julian Sayin will see success through the air, covering the whole field. Jeremiah Smith leads all pass catchers, but I like another timely Chris Henry Jr. touchdown in this one. Give me three turnovers forced by the defense and Collin Dixon contained. The Buckeyes roll with a statement.

Ohio State 42, Illinois 10

Grant Kincaid

Ohio State needs to set the tone heading into a gauntlet in Big Ten play. We’ve learned a lot about this team through three weeks. It’s time for the staff to plug the right guys in the right places to maximize this roster. I have OSU overwhelming Illinois and winning comfortably before they head into Kinnick next week.

Ohio State 38, Illinois 17

Dan Smyth

Ohio State is set to face an extremely underrated Illinois team that is 2-1 on the year. Illinois’s only loss was to a Duke team that, quite frankly, should be ranked in the AP Top 25.

I expect a shootout. Illinois has Collin Dixon, who leads the FBS in touchdown receptions. They also return Hudson Clement, who had 6 receptions in last year’s contest against the Buckeyes. I expect both Dixon and Clement to challenge the Ohio State secondary.

Ryan Day has also emphasized establishing the run game and improving the red zone offense. Because of this, I expect the Jackson duo to have a big day on the ground. Buckeyes win their Big Ten opener.

Ohio State 35, Illinois 17

Josh Cassinger

Ohio State comes in to Big Ten play with a great opportunity to get the run game going. With the Illini hitting the injury bug, I look for Bo and Ja’Kobi Jackson to get going. I strongly believe that Bo Jackson will have a career game carrying the football. This will be a weird game where the stats will not match the scoreboard.

Ohio State 37, Illinois 13

Carson Hutton

This might be the first home game without a ton of rotation, but it’s still a deep team finding the right combinations, so expect to see regular starters and backups at times.

Even if this game is a little slow at the start, I think Ohio State will finish the first half strong as they have all season, but this time they won’t let up in the second half. Bo Jackson continues his solid play on offense as the offensive line continues to elevate this offense and team.

The defense will force a timely turnover like last week and push Illinois into uncomfortable third-and-long situations. The Buckeyes will use another stellar home crowd on what should be a beautiful Saturday afternoon, along with last week’s game, as momentum to fuel their first conference win of the season.

Ohio State 38, Illinois 10

Cody Croy

I think the Buckeyes will post a respectable performance against the Big Ten foe. Chris Henry Jr. will get more involved, and Matt Patricia’s defense will pitch a near shutout.

Ohio State 35, Illinois 7

AJ Mahoney

Julian Sayin starts slow but picks up the pace after a few drives. The defense plays lockdown. Ryan Day needs the Buckeyes to play aggressively.

Ohio State 28, Illinois 17

Alex Biscardi

Bo Jackson goes for 75 yards and a touchdown, leading the Ohio State running game. Julian Sayin and the offense have a successful day as he accounts for three scores. The defense plays well as Kenyatta Jackson and Riley Pettijohn each register one sack. Jermaine Mathews picks off Katin Houser early in the game.

Ohio State 38, Illinois 13