CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Ohio State’s offense took a step back into yesteryear Saturday at Illinois, especially in the second half, and turned to running back Ezekiel Elliott to lead the way.
The junior responded with his second-best rushing game this season with 181 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. He also threw a lead block on a 6-yard touchdown run by J.T. Barrett. Elliott’s yards and carries — he had five in a row, almost unheard of in this age of multiple-attack offenses — elevated him solidly into the upper sanctum of Ohio State running backs.
As he left Memorial Stadium after a 28-3 victory that pushed the Buckeyes to 10-0, he did so knowing just two-time Heisman Trophy-winning Archie Griffin (5,589 yards) and 1995 Heisman winner Eddie George (3,768) stand above his 3,565 yards on the school’s career rushing list.