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Ohio State's extremely efficient run game and smothering defense overwhelmed the Illini

The Buckeyes didn't light up the scoreboard, but how about that defense?

New week, same story: the offense didn't reach its peak efficiency levels, but the defense totally shut down a Big Ten opponent. And, like previous weeks, it's worth noting that Illinois has a solid defense that is even ranked tenth overall in the defensive S&P+ rankings. But can Illinois defensive efficiency really account for the Buckeyes' offensive drive inefficiencies?

Efficient running was all the Buckeyes needed

  • Ohio State created scoring opportunities fairly easily, with 62% of their drives reaching at least the Illinois 40 yard line.