OSU record vs. Illinois all-time: 60-30-4
Last meeting: A dreadful 21-28 loss (2007, in Columbus). The Buckeyes could not stop the run (giving up 260 yards rushing), and could not stop the pass (giving up 4 TD passes). Combined with 3 Todd Boeckman interceptions, Illinois upset the #1 Buckeyes 28-21. Oh yeah, throw in Jim Tressel's dumbest timeout call ever (maybe the dumbest timeout callof all time), when Illinois was about to punt in the 4th quarter, and Tressel called timeout to get the proper personnel on the field, Illinois came out and went for it on 4th down, got it, and ran out the clock on the Buckeyes.
Just get the ball back - who cares if you have somebody to receive it!!! Let it drop on the ground, Jim.
Biggest win: OSU 48, Illinois 0 (1996, in Champaign)
Worst loss: Illinois 46, OSU 0 (1904, in Columbus)
Fun Facts:
- Jim Tressel holds a 3-2 mark against Illinois, his two losses coming in 2001, a 34-22 loss in Columbus, and of course, last season's horrendous loss in Columbus.
- In Tressel's two trips to Champaign, he led the Buckeyes to their gritty 23-16 overtime victory in 2002, and won a sloppy 17-10 game in 2006.
- Up until 1929, Illinois held a solid 11-5-2 record in the series. Since that time, Ohio State holds a dominant 55-19-2 mark.
- Their first meeting in 1902, which was held in Columbus, ended in a 0-0 tie.
- The Buckeyes, oddly enough, have won their last 6 games in Champaign. The Fighting Illini's last home win vs. the Buckeyes came in 1991, in a close 10-7 victory.
Fearless Prediction: With revenge in their hearts, the Buckeyes will defeat the Fighting Illini in a tough showdown, with a Illinois team less-Rashard Mendenhall, 31-17.
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