Not Enough Time for Illini Against #1 Ohio St.

Illinois linebacker J Leman forces a fumble on his hit against Ohio State's Antonio Pittman. Leman had a game high 19 tackles.

Illinois lost a hard-fought battle to #1 Ohio St. Saturday evening 17-10. The Illini defense was exceptional — the high-powered Buckeyes were held to its fewest passing yards, total yards, and points this season. Ohio St. led 17-0 at the half and the contest had the makings of yet another dominating Buckeye performance, but the tide shifted in the scoreless 3rd quarter when Illinois began to win the field position battle. Tim Brasic replaced Juice Williams at QB late in the 3rd quarter; on his third series he drove the offense 37 yards for UI's first score—a Jason Reda 27 yard field goal to make it 17-3 early in the 4th quarter.

Late in the 4th Juice was re-inserted after a Brasic interception and began the Illini's 80 yard TD drive. Midway through the drive Brasic was re-inserted after a Juice injury. Juice and Brasic each had 3 big completions in the drive, capped by a Rashard Mendenhall 3 yard TD run to make it 17-10. With only 1:40 to go Illinois had to try for the onsides kick. The kick looked promising when it cleared the first wave of Buckeyes, but was eventually recovered by Ohio St.'s Brian Robiskie. After the Buckeye's 3-and-out and punt, the Illini were left with 4 seconds and the ball at their own 2. The final Illini play produced a completion and a few laterals, but not a miracle.

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Ohio State's QB Troy Smith the front runner in this years Heisman race, was held to his lowest amount of passing yards for the season.


Ohio State DE Jay Richardson has his eyes set on Illinois QB Juice Williams.


Illinois defense stuffs Ohio State RB Chris Wells.


Heisman hopeful QB Troy Smith.


Juice Williams.


J Leman and Brit Miller crush a Buckeye. Leman and Miller combined for 27 tackles.


Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins throws Illinois receiver Derrick McPhearson down after a short gain.


Brit Miller brings down Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. on a punt return.


Ohio State's Curtis Terry gets set to hit Illinois QB Juice Williams...


...the ball flew forward yet the officials called it a fumble with Ohio State recovering. The play was reviewed and overturned as an incomplete pass.


Illinois CB Vontae Davis deflects a sure touchdown pass intended for Ohio State WR Ted Ginn Jr.


Pierre Thomas runs through traffic for a big gain.


Ohio State's high powered offense was held to its fewest passing yards, fewest total yards, and lowest point total for the season by the Illinois defense.


Illinois DE Will Davis sacks Ohio State QB Troy Smith.


Illinois QB Tim Brasic pitches the ball to Derrick McPhearson. Brasic replaced Juice Williams early in the second half.


Jeff Cumberland gets mugged in the endzone by two Ohio State defenders. Ohio State was flagged for 15 yards on the play. Illinois finished the drive with a Jason Reda 27 yard field goal.


Illinois DT Josh Norris puts pressure on QB Troy Smith, Smith was intercepted on the play by Kevin Mitchell...


...on the very next play Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis intercepts a Tim Brasic pass.


Illinois TE Jeff Cumberland fights for a first down on the TD drive. Cumberland had four receptions for 62 yards.


Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall scores a TD with 1:40 left in the 4th quarter to cut the lead to 17-10.



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