Today, the Buckeyes take on the Fightin’ Illini, probably one of the most surprising teams of the year. Last year, it was obvious they had the talent. This year, they have found out how to put that talent to use as they currently stand #3 in the Big Ten and are looking forward to Bowl season.
This game means a lot to both teams. A win for the Illini and suddenly Illinois is on the map as a team to be recognized. For the Buckeyes, a big win will do that much more in convincing the world that Ohio State does deserve to return to the national championship, regardless of what happened last year.
Today’s game should be a good one. Vegas is giving the Buckeyes 15 points which is a tough call. If the Buckeyes can get on top of Illinois early and adjust as needed, they should break the spread.
Illinois has a good running game, a huge offensive line and when Juice Williams passes well, he passes well. Laurinaitis and company need to put the pressure on. Force Williams to pass and force him to pass under pressure. As I said before, when Williams is on he’s on but he’s inconsistent and turnovers could play a big part in this game.
Likewise, the Buckeyes need to keep an eye on the run. Give the Illinois some room and they have a tendency to open up some big yards. They had a great time toying with Minnesota putting up more than 400 yards on the ground. Stop them early.
Offensively, Beanie Wells is on fire and what a leader he has become. Basic plan…pass, pass, give ball to Beanie…pass, pass, give ball to Beanie. Grind down the defense. They aren’t bad but they won’t be able to hang in for four quarters against a Buckeye Defense that is on.
As for looking past this game to Michigan, I don’t think we need to worry about that. This teams wants redemption bad and they are not about to throw it away that easy. This is not the same team we saw last year. If anything, although younger, they are more mature and experienced.
Beanie Wells showed us what the leadership of this team is made of last weekend when he avoided the touchdown celebration after scoring the winning touchdown. As reported in last Sunday’s Columbus Dispatch, Wells ran the long way back to the bench avoiding the celebration and immediately sat down. When asked about it, Wells told the press,
“I wanted to send a message to my team,” Wells said, “that just because someone scores a touchdown and puts us back in the game, we still have to go out there and continue to play football.”
I don’t care what you say about the Buckeyes, comments like that show us the class and character Coach Jim Tressel is building in his players. He has been nominated for coach of the year and that comment alone should be enough to win the award.
If we get back to the BCS Championship, and I’m banking we will, we won’t see the mistakes of last year.
