Report Card: Is there a grade better than A+?
Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin continued to be the best in the country and the Buckeyes had three sacks.
The Ohio State Buckeyes' game against the Illinois Fighting Illini showcased individual excellence and a few areas that need improvement. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith led the team with 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns, a performance that leaves little doubt he should win the Heisman Trophy or that the award is deemed fraudulent. Sophomore Julian Sayin, who also threw for 367 yards and four scores, deserves a special mention for his performance, particularly the 29 yards he gained on the ground.
Defensively, the young players on the Buckeyes' defense shined. Between Riley Pettijohn, Devin Sanchez, Khary Wilder, Jay Timmons and others, the defense displayed immense talent and the potential for future growth. The pass rush, though criticized earlier in the season, managed to record three sacks this game, including pressure on Illinois quarterback Katin Houser.
In terms of run defense, however, the grade is a D, a potentially optimistic assessment given the Illini's 199 yards on 33 carries. The Buckeyes face challenging teams ahead, Texas, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, and USC, all of which have stronger rushing attacks. Improvements are necessary and urgently required.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
