Illinois faces decisive Big Ten test at No. 7 Ohio State

Illinois visits No. 7 Ohio State on Sept. 26 at noon ET in its first Big Ten game after improving to 2-1. Ohio State is balanced, deep and well-coached, with Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, a productive rushing attack and a strong defense; Illinois needs explosive plays while navigating unsettled offensive-line personnel and a young defense in a hostile road environment.