The Series

OSU leads the series 62-30-4 and is 33-12 in games played at Illinois. There have a been some streaks in the series with OSU on a 15-game streak from 1968-1982 and Illinois on a five game streak from 1988-1992. The series ran uninterrupted from 1914 until 2003, when the teams did not play for two years due to the Big Ten rotating schedule. OSU has won five of the last six games. Illinois last beat OSU 28-21 in 2007.

 

Last Time

OSU shutout Illinois with a score of 30-0 last year in a rain filled but very important day in Columbus. The defense limited Illinois to 170 yards and forced three interceptions. Pryor was limited with only 8 of 13 attempts for 82 yards. The OSU running game had 236 yards, with Saine and Herron combining for 156 yards and Pryor with 59 yards. OSU lead at halftime 13-0 at halftime with two FGs by Pettrey and a TD run by Herron. Illinois missed opportunities including a taking possession across the 50-yard line after OSU muffed a punt. Also Illinois missed an opportunity when OSU fumbled late in the game, and then on the first pass QB McGee was intercepted by OSU.