Way back when, before conference realignment and the lust for making as much money as humanly possible, there were regional rivalries. There are still a handful that are played today, but so many have gone the way of the dodo for a handful of reasons. Back then, literal, living beings were the prize. Ohio State and Illinois faced off on a yearly basis from 1914 through 2002. Initially, the schools fought over a physical turtle. “Illibuck” was a turtle, estimated to be around 50 years old, and was the prize. However, when Illinois took down the Buckeyes in 1925, the Illini took possession of the turtle. Legend has it that the school did not house the turtle in its zoology department and did not take adequate care of the animal. Illibuck passed away in Illinois’ care.
Since then, the schools have awarded a wood-carved turtle statue to the winning team. All-time, Ohio State owns the series 68-30-4 (2010 remains vacated). When it comes to the trophy itself, this year marks the 100th official meeting (101st if you remember 2010), and Ohio State holds a 64-23-2 lead.
After a two-year break in 2003 and 2004, the rivalry was renewed in 2005 with annual meetings through 2015, with one more meeting in 2017. The two were scheduled to face off in 2020, but COVID forced the Buckeyes to cancel the meeting. So, for the first time in the Ryan Day era, Ohio State has a shot to retain the Illibuck.
The Battle for the Illibuck Renews After Lengthy Hiatus
Fluke Or Blueprint?
Illinois looked to be a program on the rise this preseason. Plenty of pundits had the Illini to be one of the many Big Ten teams worthy of a CFP berth. After starting 3-0, including a convincing win at Duke, those beliefs seemed well-founded. Then, Indiana happened. The Hoosiers were less than gracious hosts and sent Illinois on its way following a 63-10 beatdown. A matchup billed as one of the premier in-conference matchups that could be a de facto play-in for an at-large Big Ten bid turned into an Indiana coronation.
If Indiana can do this to Illinois, what can Ohio State do? The Hoosiers held Illinois to two yards rushing. For a program that averaged 156.4 yards and 38.4 carries per game in the other five games, it was debilitating. Luke Altmyer is a solid quarterback in his own right, but Indiana was able to handcuff him and the Illini offense from the jump.
Since then, Illinois has fared better with wins over USC and Purdue. Altmyer has led the offense to over 1,000 yards over the last two weeks.
All in all, Illinois’ offense is solid, but it hasn’t faced a defense quite like Ohio State’s. Take away the rushing attack, and Illinois will struggle again.
An Unleashed Offense
There is another Dragon Ball Z reference coming; brace yourself. Julian Sayin has seemingly shed his training wheels with the offense. Just as Broly went from a reserved, quiet man to berserk Super Saiyan when his restraints were destroyed, Sayin’s power level has shot through the roof.
In the win over Minnesota, Sayin took full control of the Ohio State offense and still leads the nation in completion percentage. For as great as the Buckeye defense has been, Sayin is right there. Ohio State has allowed just 25 points in five games. Sayin has 25 incomplete passes thus far this year.
He had his fourth consecutive multi-touchdown performance and eclipsed 300 yards for the second time against Minnesota. His anticipation is developing in real-time, and he dispelled any concerns about his arm strength with multiple downfield shots to Carnell Tate.
It is as cliché as can be, but the Ohio State offense is as “pick your poison” as can be. You want to sell out to stop Jeremiah Smith? Fine, Tate runs free.
The Illini lost their top defensive back a few weeks ago due to injury. As a result, Illinois has allowed 933 yards and eight touchdowns over the last three games. Sayin should have more opportunities to throw his hat into the ring of the Heisman Trophy discussion. He currently has the seventh-best odds according to FanDuel, whereas Smith is still sitting in fourth. With another strong performance, he could put the country on notice.
Another Test for the Trenches
Retaining the Illibuck will come down to how well the Buckeyes play on the offensive line. After a bit of a rough game against Washington, the front five were a bit better against Minnesota. While the Golden Gophers got through for five tackles for loss, Sayin was not sacked. Illinois has a solid pair of edge defenders ready for the challenge, of course.
Gabe Jacas leads the team in tackles for loss and sacks this year. The EDGE/outside linebacker broke out last year with eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss. He was widely regarded as one of the top defenders in the Big Ten this preseason. However, he has only half of a tackle for loss and half of a sack over the last three games.
Left tackle Austin Siereveld and left guard Luke Montgomery have been incredible thus far this year. Heading into the Minnesota game, we highlighted Anthony Smith as a key player for the Golden Gophers. He was completely held off the statsheet.
While Sayin has been impressive, manipulating the pocket and finding his open receivers, the offensive line has made his job significantly easier. With a secondary that can be taken advantage of, keeping Sayin upright and letting him get through his reads will help the Buckeyes coast to victory.
A week after Day became the winningest Division-I coach by winning percentage, he will finally get to do something he hasn’t: Hoist the Illibuck!
Main Image: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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