All nine Land-Grant Holy Land writers predicted No. 7 Ohio State would beat Illinois in Saturday’s first Big Ten game, by margins of 14 to 32 points. MVP picks included receiver Jeremiah Smith, quarterback Julian Sayin and defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
Smith was the most frequent MVP pick, named by three writers; Sayin and Jackson Jr. were each chosen twice. Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson were the other picks. Predicted storylines included a stronger Ohio State running game, more support for Smith in the passing game and improvement on defense.
FanDuel listed Ohio State as a 27-point favorite, with a projected total of 53.5 points. The game was scheduled to kick off around noon ET at Ohio Stadium and air on Fox.
