With the Illibuck trophy up for grabs, Ohio State put its No. 1 ranking to the test in a ranked matchup against No. 17 Illinois on the road Saturday, and it passed with flying colors. Against a very good Illini team, the Buckeyes continued to prove they’re operating on another level than nearly every other team in the country.
In large part, it’s thanks to a defense that inexplicably continues to raise the bar. Despite losing eight starters from last year’s national championship team, the Silver Bullets
still seem to get better and better each week under the guidance of Matt Patricia.
So it didn’t take long for Ohio State’s defense to disrupt Illinois’ game plan. On the opening drive of the game, they forced an interception from Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer, thanks to the spectacular work of both Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Payton Pierce.
For a little bit of context, Altmyer has been nothing if not consistent. Through the first six games, he had not thrown a single interception, making this his first of the season. Then again, none of the defenses he’s faced were the Silver Bullets.
How it happened
With starting nickel Lorenzo Styles Jr. out of the game with an injury, the Buckeyes adjusted by moving cornerback Mathews inside, making it his job to defend Hank Beatty, the Illini’s top receiver.
Just six plays into Illinois’ first drive, Mathews paid the move off, breaking up a pass to Beatty on 3rd and 5 for what would have been an Illini first down. The deflected pass was then caught by Buckeye linebacker Payton Pierce, who picked the ball and returned it 15 yards to set the Buckeyes up on the Illinois 35-yard line.
The Buckeyes then took advantage of the strong field position with a quick drive that resulted in a touchdown, putting OSU up, 10-0, over the home team.
It was the start of some real Ohio State momentum, and while Illinois found its rhythm in the second half, it became too little too late over the defending national champions, setting the tone early for a game that was never in question for OSU.
In a game in which Ohio State scored 21 points off turnovers, this particular interception is the perfect demonstration of the dominance of this Ohio State defense and just how relentless these players are, forcing mistakes even from a guy as reliable as Altmyer.
Watch the spectacular play here:
