There have already been some things written about Illinois' offense here at 11W this week - so there's really no need to cover old ground in that regard. But for those who would like to take a look at the other side of the ball as well, here is some basic information on the Illini defense.
Illinois (5-4, 2-3 B1G) is fresh off a dominating victory over Purdue. The Boilermakers have been inconsistent at best this year, so it'd be hard to read too much in to the 48-14 outcome. The only common opponent the Illini have had with Ohio State this season has been Penn State. The Nittany Lions won that contest 39-0.
Illinois would perhaps best be considered above average defensively. Running a self described multiple scheme system, they are ranked 31st nationally in total defense - giving up 341.9 total yards and 21.7 points per game (according to ncaa statistics**).
The Illini are ranked 45th nationally verses the pass - giving up 202.4 yards per game. Against the rush, they're ranked 34th nationally - yielding 139.4 ypg.
To help put that in to some sort of perspective, the Buckeyes are ranked 13th nationally in total defense - giving up an average of 302.6 yards per game - and 15.0 points. OSU is 33rd verses the run (138.7 ypg) and 5th nationally against the pass (163.9 ypg).
As mentioned, Illinois employs multiple schemes, but it appears they resemble the Buckeyes defensively in many ways. For instance, they run a lot of base 4-3 with quarters coverage. Their "Star" position is basically the equivalent to Ohio State's "Walk-out Linebacker".
Contrary to several of the defensive fronts the Buckeyes have faced so far this year, the Illini have impressive size - especially, at end. Jihad Ward is listed at 6'6"- 295lbs**. Dawuane Smoot who comes in at a 'mere' 6'3-265, is bigger than either of Minnesota's starting d-ends. Tackles Jarrod Clements and Robbie Bain are 290 and 305lbs, respectively.
Illinois is probably strongest in the defensive backfield. Free safety, Clayton Fejedelem, leads the team in tackles - while strong safety, Taylor Barton, is the team leader in interceptions and passes broken up. Only one defender, cornerback V'angelo Bentley, is listed at under 6 feet tall, incidentally.
Like most defenses Ohio State has faced this season, the Illini are almost certain to load the box frequently. Basically, forcing JT Barrett (who hasn't played in a few weeks) to beat them throught the air.
But what Illinois gains in size at defensive end, may be off-set with a relative disadvantage in quickness. The Buckeyes may be able to exploit that at the perimeter - in conjuction with a revived passing attack -
Prediction:
Ohio State - 42 Illinois - 10
*http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/22
**http://www.ourlads.com/ncaa-football-depth-charts/depth-chart/illinois/90705
