:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23311607/20131102_jla_ss9_275.0.jpg)
With Dontre Wilson starting the game off at running back, the game started off with a swing pass to him, but fell incomplete. Two plays later, Braxton Miller took a read option 70 untouched for a touchdown to take control early.
Two linebackers were out today for Ohio State, Curtis Grant and Josh Perry, leaving that position group relatively young. With it taking a few plays for the Buckeye's defense to get their legs under themselves fully, Nathan Scheelhaase fired an arrant throw near CJ Barnett, who then stepped in front of the pass and intercepted it, giving Ohio State good field position and all the momentum early on.
A bad snap on the Buckeye's next offensive sequence all but killed a chance at points as the Illinois defense stiffened.
As Ohio State, again, held Illinois, forcing a three and out, it became Carlos Hyde's show when the Buckeyes retook control of the ball with two rushes of nine yards each, his first two carries of the game. As Braxton Miller and the Buckeye's offense continued to drive, Braxton Miller then hit Carlos Hyde for an 18 yard touchdown.
The Fighting Illini moved into Buckeye territory in almost a must-score situation and just when things started to look brighter, a Scheelhaase's pass was tipped and then eventually picked by Bradley Roby who took it down the sideline for a 63 yard touchdown.
Key stats:
- Braxton Miller: 4/9 46 yards 1 TD; 4 rushes 94 yards 1 TD
- Carlos Hyde: 5 rushes 50 yards; 1 reception 18 yards 1 TD