Five keys to Ohio State beating Illinois on Saturday

Ohio State travels to Illinois Saturday to try and remain undefeated. Here are five keys to the Buckeyes winning another Big Ten contest.

Baring a COVID setback, Justin Fields will be vital without Ryan Day

With Ryan Day out for the game, as long as Justin Fields is playing he will need to be the general on the field. He should take what he learned against a very good Indiana defense and use that against a faster, albeit not as talented, Illinois defense. Take what is given and set up the big plays with the run and shorter passes.

Fields should also get some carries this game. Combining that with Master Teague should force the Illini defense to creep up towards the line. If that happens, Fields should be able to hit deeper passes by keeping the defense honest. Don’t try to press, run the ball, and force Illinois to pick its poison.

[lawrence-related id=41246]

NEXT … Don’t settle for field goals