Ohio State vs. Illinois score update: Ohio State comes out sluggish, lead 44-21

With a not so pleasant Urban Meyer heading into the locker room at halftime it was clear what he expected from the Buckeyes in the second half. With Ohio State receiving to start the game, Illinois took the ball right off the bat in the second half and a Nathan Scheelhaase 20 yard run moved the Illini into Buckeye territory. Continuing to move the ball at ease on the drive, Scheelhaase found a wide open receiver, making it a two score game.

As momentum started to change directions, Ohio State still struggled to complete passes on a consistent basis. THe Buckeye's power run game continued to have success and facing a 4th and 1 on the Illini 38 yard line, coach Meyer elected to go for it and Carlos Hyde was the man who picked it up, barely. On the next play, Braxton Miller fumbled the ball and Illinois took over, with everything going their way.

A good stand by the Silver Bullet defense forced a punt and with Ohio State facing not just Illinois, but BCS style points as well, the Buckeyes offense needed to get something going. They could not, as after three plays Cameron Johnston trotted onto the field once again.

Illinois was pinned deep into their own territory as the regained possession and with the Buckeyes needing a spark, it came in the form of Ryan Shazier as he sacked Reilly O'Toole who then fumbled in the end zone and recovered, resulting in a safety. Even more momentum was gained when Ohio State got inside the Illinois five yard line where it then became Carlos Hyde time, bulldozing his way in for six and a 44-21 lead.

Key stats:

- Carlos Hyde: 18 carries 95 yards 2 TDs

-Total yards: Ohio State- 393 Illinois- 296