Pregame Guide and Prediction: Illinois @ #7 Ohio State

One of the most unique trophies in college football is on the line this Saturday in Columbus: a carved wooden turtle. How can you not love college football?

Illinois is looking to claim the Illibuck Trophy for the first time since 2007, when the Illini upset No. 1 Ohio State in the ‘Shoe. Nineteen years later, Illinois comes in as a 27.5-point underdog, ready to unveil its best shot at bringing home the second-oldest trophy in the Big Ten.

The World-Famous Buckeyes entered the season ranked number 1 in the preseason polls. Two years removed from a National Championship, Ohio State has expectations of capturing another title. Ohio State went on the road and lost to the now #1 Texas Longhorns, after surrendering a 20-point lead in the 4th quarter. The Buckeyes have fallen to #7 in the country and will have much less margin for error the rest of the season if they want to fulfill those preseason hopes.

On offense, Ohio State has the best player in the country. Jeramiah Smith is already one of the most decorated Ohio State receivers of all time in just 2.25 seasons. He is the school's all-time leader in receiving yards. The junior will hear his name called very early in the first round of the NFL Draft this April. Smith will be a handful for the Illini secondar this weekend.

The guy throwing the ball isn't too shabby as well. Julian Sayin was Heisman Finalist as a freshman. He is one of the most accurate throwers of the football. He does not make many mistakes. He is also surrounded by 7 other starters returning from a year ago, including 4 offensive linemen. The Illini defense has not shown the ability of stopping an offense of this caliber.

Last, season Ohio State had maybe the best defense in the country. They lost 8 of those starters. 3 of them went in the first 11 picks of the NFL Draft. Ohio State always finds a way to reload, but this unit is not as dominant as it was a year ago. Matt Patricia is back for another season as the defensive coordinator, so i don't expect them to fall off substantially. Through 3 quarters against Texas, they looked the part.

Matt Patricia is back for another season as the defensive coordinator. If Illinois wants to compete in this one, the offense will have to put up points. Jermaine Matthews Jr. is the biggest name to watch out for. He is the best returner on the Buckeye's defense, and he will be assigned to slow down Collin Dixon. Taking care of the ball and winning the turnover battle is the only way Illinois will be competitive in this one.

Prediction:

Ohio State is inevitable in these situations. Say whatever you want about Ryan Day, but he simply does not lose to teams he is better than unless they are Michigan. I expect Ohio State to be dominant on offense. Illinois will have a hard time getting off the field. I do have some optimism that Illinois can put up some points and maybe stick with the Buckeyes for a quarter. But overall, it is asking too much from Illinois to be truly competitive in the one. I like the Buckeye's big in this one.

I'll take Ohio State 49-17.