Ohio State opened Big Ten play Saturday with a 42-19 win over Illinois, its 11th straight victory over the Fighting Illini. SB Nation highlighted players Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin, Riley Pettijohn and Jaylen McClain, along with coach James Laurinaitis.
Smith caught 12 passes and scored four touchdowns. Sayin completed 27 of 36 passes for 367 yards and four touchdowns, and scored on a seven-yard run. Pettijohn had a sack and two tackles for loss; McClain made eight tackles and defended four passes. Ohio State’s defense gave up more than 450 yards, including 263 passing.
Laurinaitis was honored in the first quarter for his recent induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. He is in his third season as Ohio State’s linebackers coach.
