by Alan LookBest Look Magazine
CHAMPAIGN - In a clash of ranked titans, No. 1 Ohio State marched into Champaign and left with a 34-16 victory that felt more like a statement than a score.
The Fighting Illini, riding a wave of momentum and a top-20 ranking, had hoped to shake the national order. But the Buckeyes, seasoned and unshaken, reminded everyone why they sit atop the college football throne, thanks to short-field scoring that produced 24 points on drives starting inside the 40-yard line.
From the opening drive, Ohio State dictated tempo and tone. Their defense swarmed, their offense churned, and their stars delivered. Bo Jackson, the Buckeyes’ bruising backfield presence, carved out critical yardage and capped drives with the kind of physicality that defines championship football. His contributions weren’t flashy - they were foundational.
Illinois, for its part, refused to fold. Hank Beatty, the Illini’s reliable route runner, found seams and kept chains moving, offering glimpses of the grit that earned his team national respect. But against the Buckeyes’ relentless pressure and opportunistic execution, those flashes weren’t enough. Adding insult to injury, Illinois (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) turned the ball over three times, leading to 21 of Ohio State’s points.
Luke Altmyer threw for 248 yards and one touchdown on 30-of-44 passing. Collin Dixon caught four passes for 46 yards and a touchdown, while Aidan Laughery added 50 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Matthew Bailey led the Illini defense with eight tackles, including 1.0 tackles for loss and a pass breakup.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a reaffirmation. Ohio State didn’t just beat Illinois. The Buckeyes outlasted, outmuscled, and outclassed them.
After Ohio State opened the game with 20 unanswered points, Illinois got on the board with one minute remaining before halftime on David Olano’s 24-yard field goal.
In the second half, Altmyer led a 12-play, 75-yard drive finished by a one-yard Laughery touchdown to bring the Illini within 10, 20-10. The score, off an option pitch from Hank Beatty, was the first rushing touchdown surrendered by the Ohio State defense this season.
Later, Ohio State extended its lead to 34-10 with two additional touchdowns, keeping the Illibuck Trophy in Columbus and its perfect season intact.
