Illinois is still figuring out its passing game, but the running game is set
Illinois will test #OhioState’s run defense this Sat. They are B1G’s #2 rushing attack; avg 222.4 ypg. The #Buckeyes rush defense, #2 in B1G, allows an average of 98.5 ypg.
OSU leads the B1G in rushing at 233.2 ypg; the Illini allow an average of 194.6 ypg.#GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/whDVIcBOg0— Buckeye Fans Only (@buckeyefansonly) November 24, 2020
If we are being honest, Ohio State has struggled against the run this year. It has allowed 4.16 yards per carry and allowing 131.7 yards a game. Thankfully for Ohio State, the offense is high-powered enough to force teams to have to get away from the run to keep up in scoring. Illinois will run, a lot.
The Illinois passing attack is a little bit of a mess, so while the coaches figure it out, they will lean on their two-headed monster at running back in Chase Brown and Mike Epstein. Add in their running quarterback, Isaiah Williams, and the running game can and will make plays on offense.
If Ohio State can get ahead early and extend a lead it should lessen the number of runs the defense will face. I don’t think the Illini can beat the Buckeyes through the air, but the run game can be a different story.
[lawrence-related id=41210]