Things to Watch

Trash Talk
Redshirt freshman Bradley Roby may have the potential to be a great defensive back, but he has a few things to learn. His skills will develop with more experience, and his speed can be beneficial when used properly. He also needs to be careful when speaking with the media, as he challenged A.J. Jenkins, the top receiver at Illinois, who also happens to lead the nation in reception yards. Roby said, "that's really why he catches so many passes, because they move him around, they try to get (favorable) matchups for him against linebackers and stuff like that." Also he said, "what I've seen so far, he's a decent receiver, but he's nothing special really." Roby may be right, and for what is worth Jenkins had one reception last year against Ohio State, but there is no need to motivate and undefeated Illinois team with bulletin board quotes. Although Illinois is not exactly avoiding bulletin board quotes as defensive end Whitney Mercilus practically guaranteed a win by saying, "when we do win, I'm going to try to rub it in their faces and tell them we are good."

Wind Factor
You only have to look back as far as the game last season in Champaign to remember that wind can be a big factor in games at Memorial Stadium. Tim May with the Dispatch likes to say that you get two good quarters at Illinois due to the wind. Will the wind slow down the already struggling OSU passing game?

Roster Update
It might be considered normal to see roster changes based on injuries, but it seems like each week we are given updates based on injuries and suspensions. It appears receiver Philly Brown is healthy and will continue to be a starter this week. Defensive lineman Nathan Williams has missed a number of games, and it was announced that his knee injury requires further surgery and he will miss the rest of the season. Back this week after a one game suspension is offensive lineman Marcus Hall. Also joining the team is running back Boom Herron, after missing a five game suspension and an additional one game suspension. Herron may get some time at running back behind Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall, but Coach Fickell indicated that he will more likely be used on special teams this week. Receiver Devier Posey will miss four more games, and will be available for the Penn State game. Braxton Miller was banged up, be will be the starter again this week. Fickell announced Thursday that backup cornerback Dominic Clark will miss Saturday's game due to a disorderly conduct charge involving the shooting of a BB gun out of a window on campus (yes a BB gun.)