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Illinois-Ohio St. Preview

Sep 22, 2009 - 11:50 PM By JEFF MEZYDLO STATS Senior Writer

Illinois (1-1) at No. 10 Ohio State (2-1), 3:30 p.m. EDT

A blowout victory over an in-state opponent has Ohio State feeling confident for the time being. Illinois might be feeling the same way.

The 13th-ranked Buckeyes hope to build off their latest victory while trying to prevent the Illini from pulling off another upset in Columbus during Saturday's Big Ten opener for both schools.

Ohio State (2-1) bounced back from a disappointing 18-15 home loss to then-No. 3 Southern California on Sept. 12, by routing Toledo 38-0 at Cleveland Browns Stadium last Saturday.

After totaling 265 yards against the Trojans, the Buckeyes rolled up 522 - including 247 on the ground - against the Rockets.

"The disappointment was two weeks away," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "But the task at hand is Illinois and the task at hand is the Big Ten. I'd like to think we're aware enough to know that we've got to get much better."

Sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor rushed for 110 yards with a touchdown, and threw for a career-high 262 yards and three TDs - two to Dane Sanzenbacher - Saturday.

"(Last week's game) really gave me more confidence than I had," Pryor said. "Whether it's 100 yards passing or 100 yards rushing ... it's not always realistic. I'll still do whatever I can to get a win."

Pryor rushed for 110 yards and threw a touchdown in Ohio State's 30-20 win at Illinois last season.

The Buckeyes have outscored their opponents 151-40 in winning four straight conference openers, and won four of five overall against Illinois. The Illini (1-1), meanwhile, have won three of their last four and seven of 10 at Ohio Stadium dating to 1988.

Illinois shocked then-No. 1 and previously undefeated Ohio State 28-21 in its last visit Nov. 10, 2007. With that in mind, the Illini should feel confident returning to the Horseshoe coming off a bye week.

"For the people that were a part of it, it's relevant," Tressel said of the Illini's last visit. "I'm sure some of the guys that were a part of that game, like the coaches that were here, (this week) will be a reminder."

The Illini rolled to a 45-17 win over Illinois State - of the Football Championship Subdivision - on Sept. 12, one week after a disappointing 37-9 season-opening loss to Missouri in St. Louis.

"We all know the next game is going to be a great challenge," Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "But once again, I haven't changed my thinking that this football team can be a great team."

Senior quarterback Juice Williams has thrown six touchdowns and one interception while rushing for 118 yards on 25 carries in his last two games against Ohio State. The Illini are expected to have him back after he strained his quadriceps early against Illinois State.

Williams also needs 171 yards to become the Illini's career leader in total offense.

After rushing for 384 yards against Illinois State, Illinois ranks second in the Big Ten in rushing average (247.0 yards per game) and third in total offense (436.5 yards).

Illinois likely won't have nearly as easy a time against the Buckeyes, who are second in the league allowing 288.3 yards and third by giving up 15.0 points per game.

The Illini will try to stop Pryor and the Buckeyes without starting linebacker Montez Wilson, who was lost for the season with a herniated disc in his neck.

"We talk about adversity and our team knows others will have to step up and fill his shoes," Zook said. "I think they are ready to do that."

Illinois, which has lost 14 of its last 15 Big Ten openers, has dropped four in a row against ranked opponents since beating Ohio State in 2007.