Being the Buckeye beat’s black sheep blog, we here at Land-Grant Holy Land like to pat ourselves on the back. So, throughout the season, members of our staff will be making predictions about that day’s
game. They will go on the record with what they think the final score will be, who the game’s MVP will be, and what the major storyline will be coming out of the day.
Today, at 7:30 p.m. ET, the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes will host a rare Big Ten night game as the Minnesota Golden Gophers visit The Shoe. This will be the only home game that the Buckeyes play this month, so let’s hope they make it exciting for the Homecoming crowd.
Check out what our staff members think and then let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments below. As we move forward with the season, you will be able to keep up with just how well our prognosticators do on a weekly basis HERE.
Michael Citro
Score Prediction: Ohio State 36, Illinois 20
Game MVP: Julian Sayin will surpass 300 yards again and toss three touchdown passes.
Major Storyline: It’s another big week for Julian Sayin, who starts to gain more traction in the Heisman discussion.
Alex Frank
Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, Illinois 17
Game MVP: Jeremiah Smith will go for 163 yards on nine receptions, including two touchdowns.
Major Storyline: For anyone who thinks there is a better team in college football than Ohio State, you’d better have a really strong argument. Because this Buckeyes team is the most complete, dominant team in college football right now.
Joey Gertz
Score Prediction: Ohio State 31, Illinois 10
Game MVP: Max Klare will have 7 catches, 75 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
Major Storyline: Julian Sayin’s name officially enters the Heisman race.
Justin Golba
Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, Illinois 13
Game MVP: This will finally be the Brandon Innis game. The receiver will have a couple of big catches, including a touchdown.
Major Storyline: The Buckeyes will solidify themselves as the top team in the country with a 30-point road win over a ranked opponent.
Dan Hessler
Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, Illinois 9
Game MVP: Bo Jackson will go for 125+ total yards and three total scores.
Major Storyline: Bo Jackson gives Ohio State’s offense a true rushing threat after almost giving the ball away last week.
Brett Ludwiczak
Score Prediction: Ohio State 34, Illinois 14
Game MVP: Freshman running back Bo Jackson will have a breakout game as Ohio State runs away from Illinois.
Major Storyline: Julian Sayin continues to improve with each week, as the Buckeyes put together a strong all-around performance to deal a blow to the playoff hopes of the Fighting Illini.
Gene Ross
Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, Illinois 7
Game MVP: Illinois’ pass defense has not been good this season, and Jeremiah Smith adds to his Heisman resume with 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Major Storyline: Max Klare continues to emerge for this Ohio State offense with a two-score game.
Matt Tamanini
Score Prediction: Ohio State 41, Illinois 6
Game MVP: Julian Sayin will continue to distribute the ball around to a wide range of receivers, completing at least 75% of his passes for 300+ yards and four touchdowns against the Big Ten’s worst pass defense.
Major Storyline: Yet again, many people in the college football world tried to pump up an Ohio State opponent and tried to make us think that the Buckeyes would have a legitimate test… and yet again, OSU’s opponent was completely outclassed. The Silver Bullets continue to be the most dominant unit in the sport, and the offense continues to be potent and efficient, even if they aren’t as explosive as they have been in years past.
Ryan Weckstein
Score Prediction: Ohio State 47, Illinois 13
Game MVP: Julian Sayin will prove that he isn’t just a system quarterback, but a quarterback contending for the Heisman Trophy, going 28-for-34 through the air for 365 yards and four passing touchdowns.
Major Storyline: Ohio State may be better than their national championship season, dominating Illinois from the first offensive series. It looks like an Ohio State vs. Oregon Big Ten Championship Game.
