This year at LGHL, the day before Ohio State games we are trying something a little different. “3 & Out” is going to inform you on the upcoming opponent for the Buckeyes. By the name, you probably could
tell we are going to handle things in threes.
Along with highlighting three key players from Ohio State’s opponents, we will shed some light on three things the Buckeyes have to be wary of, and close things out by having a little fun by mentioning three notable alumni or facts from the school that’ll be matching up with Ohio State.
First down
Players to watch for Illinois
1) Luke Altmyer
The Fighting Illini quarterback is one of the best in the Big Ten. In his third year as starter, Altmyer is one of just two quarterbacks in the country to throw at least 12 touchdowns and no interceptions. In the victory over Purdue, Altmyer went 19 of 22 for 390 yards and a touchdown.
Much like Demond Williams Jr. of Washington, Altmyer can hurt opponents with his arm as well as his legs. The difference this week for the Buckeyes is Altmyer has the size that Williams was lacking, which will allow the Illinois quarterback to have a better view of his receiving options.
So far this season Altmyer has found the end zone in a variety of ways, becoming the first Big Ten quarterback in 30 years to throw for 300 yards, pass for a touchdown, rush for a score, and catch a touchdown pass in a game. Expect Bret Bielema and Barry Lunney Jr. to find creative ways to use Altmyer on Saturday.
2) Hank Beatty
Hank Beatty has established himself as not only the top receiver for the Fighting Illini, he is also a serious threat returning punts. In the season opener against Western Illinois, Beatty broke Red Grange’s 102-year old school record with 133 punt return yards. On one of his four returns in the game went to the house.
Currently, Beatty is the only player in college football all with a passing, rushing, receiving, and punt return touchdown. Last time out, Beatty had a career day, rolling up 186 receiving yards and a score on five catches in the win over Purdue.
Ohio State will have to be aware of where Beatty is at all times since he has displayed numerous ways he can hurt opposing defenses.
3) Gabe Jacas
Most of the pressure from the pass rush of Illinois should come from EDGE rusher Gabe Jacas. So far this season Jacas has recorded 4.5 sacks. This comes on the heels of a 2024 season where he recorded 13 tackles for loss.
Jacas impressed enough last season to be placed on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List. With 20.5 career sacks, Jacas ranks fourth in school history in sacks. Even though Ohio State has only allowed two sacks this season, Jacas has the talent to make some noise in the backfield if the unit isn’t on top of their game.
Second down
What Ohio State has to be wary of
1) The ghosts of Champaign
Sometimes weird things happen in Champaign. Luckily for the Buckeyes this isn’t in November, where in the past weather has been sketchy for some of Ohio State’s trips to Memorial Stadium. Still, the Buckeyes should expect some odd things to happen on Saturday afternoon.
Also, Ohio State has to have a couple losses to Illinois when the Buckeyes have been ranked number one in the country. The last time a ranked Illinois team hosted the top-ranked team was back in 1950 when the Fighting Illini beat Ohio State. Then there was a little more recent upset of the number one Buckeyes.
Although the 2007 game was in Columbus, it just proves Ohio State can’t take for granted that they’ll win on Saturday.
2) Youth versus experience
It’s no secret that Ohio State features numerous new starters on both sides of the football, including redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin and true freshman running back Bo Jackson. Despite this being the first year starting for a lot of guys, they have had no trouble adjusting to seeing more time on the field and handling added responsibilities.
This still will be only the second road game for some, plus it will be an even bigger test from what they saw at Washington. Ohio State knows they are going to get the Fighting Illini’s best shot on Saturday.
Illinois is the only Power 4 team to return their offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and starting quarterback for the third straight season. This is the same team that won 10 games in 2024 and are contenders to make the College Football Playoff this season. The Fighting Illini are comfortable with what run and playing with each other, so they shouldn’t be underestimated in this matchup.
3) Looking to make their mark
Saturday will provide Illinois with a shot to grab a signature win in their quest to make the College Football Playoff. The Fighting Illini knows their backs are against the wall after the blowout loss at Indiana last month. Bret Bielema’s team can’t afford any more losses.
Bielema has definitely changed the culture in Champaign. This isn’t a game Illinois would feel lucky to win, the former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach has them expecting to win it. With a different mindset heading into this game than some of the past matchups, expect the Fighting Illini to lay it all on the line against the Buckeyes.
Third down
Notable Ohio State-Illinois connections
1) Illibuck
Illibuck is the most famous carved turtle the world has ever seen. The tradition of the winner of the game between Ohio State and Illinois being given a trophy began in 1925 when a live turtle was awarded. After the turtle died a year later, a wooden turtle was carved.
Ohio State has held possession of Illibuck since 2008, winning the last nine meetings with Illinois. Saturday will mark the first time since 2017 the schools have met. The 2020 game between the Buckeyes and Fighting Illini was cancelled because of COVID. Now because of Big Ten expansion, the programs are slated to meet at least twice every five-year cycle.
2) Joseph Alutto
On two separate occasions Joseph Alutto has been the interim president at Ohio State. The first time came in the summer of 2007 when he bridged the gap between Karen Holbrook and E. Gordon Gee. The second time came for a year spanning 2013 to 2014 when Gee was eventually replaced by Michael Drake.
Alutto attended the University of Illinois, earning a master’s degree in industrial relations. Eventually Alutto made his way to Ohio State, where he was named dean the Fisher College of Business. With his roles at the university, Alutto has made many important contributions to Ohio State over the years.
3) John Groce
After serving as an assistant from 2004 to 2008 on Thad Matta’s staff, John Groce eventually found his way to Illinois. Following four seasons at Ohio, Groce was hired as the head coach of the Fighting Illini following the 2011-12 season.
Groce never was able to gain traction in Champaign, only making the NCAA Tournament once in the five years he was head coach. Following the 2016-17 season, Grove and the school parted ways, with the former Buckeye assistant posting a 95-75 record during his time in charge.
Since then, Groce returned to the Buckeye State, taking over at Akron. In three of the last four years Groce has led the Zips to the tournament. Last season Groce posted a 28 wins with Akron, his best mark so far at the school.
& out
Prediction: 34-14, Ohio State
Go Bucks!
