Ohio State dominates Illinois with strong defensive plays and touchdowns

In the recent match held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, Ohio State continued its strong performance in college football by defeating Illinois with a score of 34-16. This game took place in Champaign, Illinois, where the No. 1 ranked Buckeyes faced off against the No. 17 Illini. Ohio State's quarterback, Julian Sayin, showcased his skills by completing 19 of 27 passes for 166 yards and throwing two touchdown passes. The win marked Ohio State's sixth victory of the season, improving their record to 6-0 and maintaining their status as a top contender in the Big Ten conference. C.J. Donaldson also contributed significantly by rushing for two touchdowns and recording 44 yards on the ground. Illinois, on the other hand, managed to score a total of 16 points but struggled throughout the game, particularly in the first half where they were unable to score a single touchdown. Their quarterback, Luke Altmyer, threw for 248 yards, but it was marred by an interception, which was his first of the season. Despite a strong second-half performance where Illinois scored two touchdowns, they could not overcome the first-half deficit. Notably, Ohio State's defense was crucial to their victory, forcing three turnovers that directly led to 21 points for the Buckeyes. This defensive prowess included recovering two fumbles and intercepting Altmyer's pass, a significant moment in the game. Coach Ryan Day praised his team's competitive spirit, indicating they are constantly learning and improving. Illinois coach Bret Bielema, however, pointed out that his team needed to address their performance in the first half to become more competitive against strong teams like Ohio State. This victory maintained Ohio State's top-ranking status and extended their winning streak against Illinois to ten straight, a solid continuation from previous seasons. Illinois had recently experienced success prior to playing Ohio State, winning nine of their last eleven games, which made this defeat even more surprising. Moving forward, Ohio State's next challenge will be at Wisconsin on October 18, while Illinois will play Washington on October 25. Overall, the matchup underscored both the strengths and weaknesses of each team, setting the stage for future matchups within the conference.