CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — In front of a sold-out crowd at Gies Memorial Stadium, #17 Illinois came up short against the nation’s top team on Saturday, falling 34–16 to #1 Ohio State.
The Buckeyes (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) made the most of short fields, scoring 24 of their points on drives that began inside the Illinois 40-yard line. Costly turnovers plagued the Illini (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten), who gave the ball away three times, resulting in 21 points for Ohio State.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer completed 30 of 44 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown. Running back Aidan Laughery added 50 rushing yards and scored the first rushing touchdown allowed by Ohio State this season. Wide receiver Collin Dixon caught a late touchdown pass and finished with 46 yards on four catches.
After trailing 20–0 early, Illinois found momentum late in the second quarter with a 24-yard David Olano field goal. The Illini then opened the second half with a 75-yard drive capped by Laughery’s touchdown to pull within 10. But Ohio State responded with two more scores to put the game out of reach.
Matthew Bailey led the Illinois defense with eight tackles, one for loss, and a pass breakup.
Illinois will have a bye next week before traveling to Seattle to face Washington on October 25. Kickoff time is still to be announced.
