This Saturday’s matchup between Ohio State and Illinois features one of the Big Ten’s starkest contrasts: the Buckeyes are undefeated (5–0) and riding a defense that has been nearly impossible to crack, while the Illini (5–1) are built around a sharp passing attack but have shown chinks in their armor. Ohio State’s quarterback Julian Sayin has completed over 80 percent of his throws, leading the nation in that category, while pacing a balanced attack that keeps defenses honest.

On the Illinois side, Luke Altmyer has been ultra-efficient, throwing 12 touchdowns with no interceptions, and his connection with receiver Hank Beatty gives the Illini a chance to keep pace, at least on paper.

Yet Illinois carries a major scar into this weekend: they were drubbed 63–10 by Indiana earlier this sea

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