Ohio State's upcoming contest against Illinois might be the least exciting matchup in recent Big Ten memory, at least for the Buckeyes.
The home team is favored by 41 points and Illinois hasn't defeated Ohio State in 10 years, and it doesn't look like an anniversary celebration is going to take place for the Illini on Saturday at Ohio Stadium.
That said, the storylines surrounding the game are largely surrounded by Senior Day and the 19 veterans who are set to play their final game in Ohio Stadium. Ahead of the final home game of the year, we answer your questions pertaining to the upcoming showdown with Illinois.
Do you see J.T. Barrett and the starters playing more on Saturday because it's there final home game or leaving early in preparation of the game up north? - Seattle Linga
I think Urban Meyer has a decision to make this week. On one hand, you need to win by as many points as possible in order to impress the CFP selection committee. On the other, you need to make sure you are healthy for The Game and a likely matchup with Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game. I think Barrett and the starters play into the fourth quarter before getting a curtain call on their final day in Ohio Stadium.
Over/Under 6 sacks against the Illini? - SoulPatrol32
I am going to take the under, strictly because I think Illinois is going to game plan to get the ball out fast, much like Indiana and other teams have done this season. Lovie Smith isn't a bad coach, he just has a bad team right now. He will have a game plan to make sure his quarterback stays upright as much as possible, but if he doesn't, my thoughts and prayers are with whoever lines up under center for the Illini.
Final home game for the Seniors. Tears, or no tears? - Hovenaut
No matter what players have said this week, there are going to be tears. Maybe not from all of them, but definitely for some. I am not going to call out any individual cryers in here, but I think at least one of the defensive linemen will shed a tear as he walks out of the tunnel Saturday afternoon.
How much of an impact do you see the weather having on Saturday? - Buckeyes01752
It might influence the game, but it won't impact the outcome. Ohio State is going to roll in this one. Rain might limit the Buckeyes' ability to score 50, but that is about it. If the rain does fall hard, Ohio State has the ability to run the ball 50 times and win by four scores. I wouldn't fret if you're a Buckeye fan.
Which will be the highest number versus the Illini: Mike Weber/J.K. Dobbins TD; J.T. Barrett rushing TD; or JTB passing TD? - GOOMBAY
Because of what was just discussed and the weather, I will take the Mike Weber/J.K. Dobbins touchdowns. If the weather is poor, we have seen what happens to this Buckeye offense. The passing game shuts down. The good news for Ohio State, is that it plays Illinois this week so plenty of touchdowns will be scored regardless.
What is the margin of victory that would impact the mindset of the CFP committee positively? Negatively? - Bucksman
I think Ohio State has to cover (41 points) for the CFP to look at this game positively. Illinois is not a good football team right now. They are very young and promising for the future, but they shouldn't be able to hang with the Buckeyes very long in this one. If they do, and can keep it to a three or even four score game, the CFP is going to look at that one a little closer than they normally might.
What is the likelihood that the walk-ons and seniors get to all play in the 3rd-4th quarter against Illinois despite expectations to win big for CFP committee? - ISURVIVEDCOOPER
I said it earlier that I think the walk-ons probably won't get their chance until the fourth quarter, strictly because of Ohio State's need to win big. I do think Meyer will give Barrett and most of the seniors a curtain call at some point in the fourth quarter, but he will want a big enough lead in the end to do so. I still say that lead has to be hovering around 40 for Meyer to be comfortable.
Odds that Lovie Smith has coached his last game at Ohio Stadium for the Illini - 1MechEng
I think those odds are low. If you look at the Illini roster, there is plenty of talent, but it is young talent. I am not saying Illinois will be competing for a Big Ten title any time soon, but I do think they have the ability to win anywhere from 6-8 games per season in the Big Ten West if Smith is able to develop the young talent on his roster.
The reality is that Illinois isn't going to be able to reel in a much better coach at this point, so why not give Smith some time? I think he will be back in Ohio Stadium at some point.
Across The Field mentioned Illinois tight end Louis Dorsey as a difference maker. Is there reason for concern, and how can the Buckeyes scheme to negate him after the Iowa tight end coverage debacle? - Sightlygrain6
Dorsey is one of the young players on this Illinois team that could be an all Big-Ten player later in his career. He will probably draw coverage from Jerome Baker and Ohio State safeties Damon Webb and Jordan Fuller on Saturday. I wouldn't rule out a big play or two from Dorsey, but for him to make a big enough impact, the Illini quarterbacks will have to have time to throw, which might not happen if they don't get the ball out quick enough. Those quick throws don't usually target tight ends.
Will we see a red zone jump pass from J.T. one last time in the Shoe? - Johnny Utah QB@ OSU
Only if the situation presents itself. If the Buckeyes get inside the five, I wouldn't rule out one last jump pass for Barrett in Ohio Stadium.
J.T. Barrett needs 717 yards to become the Big Ten's all-time yardage leader. How many yards does he get against the Illini prior to the regular season finale in Ann Arbor? - GINNandjuice
I will say he accumulates around 300 yards of total offense against Illinois, which will set him up to break the record with a career day at Michigan or, more likely, in the Big Ten title game or bowl game. Either way, it is a record that is going to be broke, barring injury.
