Ohio State Begins Big Ten Schedule Saturday Against Illinois

The Buckeyes host the Fighting Illini in Columbus on Saturday to open conference play after a 59-3 win over Kent State.

Ohio State turns the page to Big Ten competition on Saturday, when Illinois visits Columbus for the Buckeyes' conference opener. The Buckeyes arrive off a 59-3 rout of Kent State, a result that followed their loss to Texas earlier in the season.

On the Ohio State side, quarterback Julian Sayin has settled in through three games, and the offense is putting up over 46 points per contest. Receiver Jeremiah Smith has performed at his usual level, while a remaining question is whether the team can ground out a consistent running game and get production from the supporting cast beyond its stars. The hosts also want to see continued defensive improvement, particularly from a talented line facing a far stiffer test than Kent State offered.

Illinois brings one of the nation's most productive passing combinations. Quarterback Katin Houser, an East Carolina transfer, has connected on 74.1% of his throws for 758 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions, averaging 252.7 yards through the air. Receiver Collin Dixon has caught 25 passes for 367 yards and seven scores, the most receiving touchdowns in the country heading into Week 4, including an 11-catch, 166-yard, three-touchdown performance against Duke.

The matchup could put pressure on the Ohio State secondary, where Devin Sanchez may be counted on against a receiver capable of punishing even minor coverage errors. Week 4 also features several ranked clashes elsewhere, including No. 1 Texas at No. 14 Tennessee, No. 20 Oregon at No. 12 USC, and No. 17 Iowa at No. 18 Michigan.