Ohio State took control early, scoring on its first six possessions, and dominated Illinois 52-14 on Senior Day in Ohio Stadium. The win for the No. 8 Buckeyes (9-2, 7-1 Big 10) clinched the Big Ten East title and secured a spot in the Big Ten title game December 2nd against Wisconsin.
Buckeye quarterback J.T. Barrett, in his final home game, threw his 100th career touchdown pass and also ran for a score in the first half when Ohio State opened up a 38-0 lead. Barrett and other key seniors made a curtain call, coming out of the game during the second quarter of the blowout. Barrett, however, did return for a series in the second half and threw another TD, after back-up QB Dwayne Haskins lost a fumble that was returned for an Illinois touchdown.
Barrett was 11 for 19 for 141 yards and the two touchdowns. Running back Mike Weber had his second straight 100 yard rushing game, picking up 108 yards on 11 carries. He scored twice, including a 43-yard T.D in the first quarter.
Ohio State also dominated on defense, holding the Illini to a only 105 yards. Illinois didn't record a first down until near the end of the first half.
Next up for Ohio State is their rivalry showdown against Michigan, in Ann Arbor next Saturday at noon on Fox. Check out some highlights from Saturday's win over the Illini below, as well as Urban Meyer's postgame comments courtesy of Steve Helwagen of Bucknuts and 24-7 Sports.