Ohio State Beats Illinois 42-19

No. 7 Ohio State opened Big Ten play with a 42-19 win over Illinois, improving to 3-1 and handing the Illini their first conference loss. Jeremiah Smith tied an Ohio State record with four touchdown receptions, finishing with career highs of 12 catches and 217 yards. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 367 yards and four touchdowns and added a rushing score. Illinois stayed within reach into the third quarter, but after cutting the deficit to 28-13, it failed on a fourth-down opportunity, and Smith’s fourth touchdown helped Ohio State regain control. Illinois totaled 462 yards and ran effectively despite offensive-line injuries, but struggled to pressure Sayin and finish drives.