Indiana: Can't Wait For Saturday I'm still going with the Buckeyes, but it will be…
Indiana · Illinois · Ohio StateTo be fair, the Hoosiers went on to win the College Football Playoff title and finished with a perfect season. Some are predicting another blowout Saturday when Illinois visits No. 7-ranked Ohio State.
I'm going with Ohio State 28, Illinois 21. Same score Ron Zook's Illini beat Jim Tressel's No. 1 Buckeyes by in 2007.
On Wednesday, I talked to a former Illinois coach and player who both beat Ohio State during their careers. It really helps Illinois that quarterback Katin Houser has already played a game in Columbus while at Michigan State.
He won't likely freak out when the loudest crowd in the Big Ten lets him have it. Houser and on-fire receiver Collin Dixon give Illinois a chance.
KEY POINTS
- Can't Wait For Saturday I'm still going with the Buckeyes, but it will be closer than most think.
- Sep. 25—*** You probably don't need a reminder, but the most lopsided outcome of Bret Bielema's head coaching career was a 53-point decision in 2025 at Indiana.
- Considering the talents of the opponent, it was the best game I have seen Illinois play in 38 years covering the team.
- I'm reluctant to pick against the Buckeyes, who would be No. 1 if not for a close loss at Texas, a game Ohio State basically gave away.