Here we go with Big Ten play for the Ohio State football team, and here we go with another set of predictions from our staff here at Buckeyes Wire. The Buckeyes and Fighting Illini both have an overall record of 2-1, but not all losses and wins are created equal. OSU lost to now No. 1 Texas, while Illinois suffered a defeat vs. Duke.
Now, both will look to get a win to springboard momentum for the rest of the season, and it's all set to go down at Noon ET as the Fox Big Noon Game of the Week.
The odds are heavily in favor of the Scarlet and Gray, but you know Illinois head coach Bret Bielema is going to fire all the bullets he can to try and physically dominate the Buckeyes. It'll be up to Ryan Day and his staff to cook something up to exploit
the advantages athletically Ohio State has.
Each week, our writers take turns predicting the score and outcome of the Ohio State game for the week, and we're at it again. Here's how each sees the battle for the Illibuck Trophy playing out.
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Ohio State vs. Illinois, according to Phil Harrison, Lead Writer/Editor
Illinois might hang in there for a while with some good scheming and plays designed to throw the Ohio State defense off, but eventually, the athleticism and talent on the side of the Buckeyes will take over and make this one a relatively easy game on the scoreboard. Illinois just isn't a program at the level of what's cooking in Columbus, and this one will be an uphill climb for the Illini, both ways, in the snow, against gale-force winds.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 37, Illinois 10
Ohio State vs. Illinois, according to Mark Russell, Featured Writer
Illinois lost quite a bit from a team that had a fairly successful season a year ago. The Illini are clearly in a rebuilding mode, and while the offense seems serviceable, the defense is severely lacking. The Buckeyes should have no problem moving the ball through the air, but it will be interesting to see how the running game responds after Ryan Day's pointed remarks about challenging the tailbacks to run angry.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, Illinois 10
Ohio State vs. Illinois, according to Sunny Verma, Featured Writer
Ryan Day has made it clear that he wants to fix the running issues that the Buckeyes might have. There might not be a better opponent than Illinois to do just that. While I think this Illinois offense can surprisingly put up some points, their defense leaves a lot to be desired. I am expecting a big halftime difference and maybe an Illinois score late to make the score appear closer than the game actually was.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 45, Illinois 17
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. Illinois Buckeyes Wire staff predictions for Week 4
