Instant Reaction: Ohio State Blows Out Illinois 55-14, Moves To 7-1 On The Year

Ohio State racked up 31 points before halftime, backup QB Cardale Jones played the entire second half and the Buckeyes rolled to an easy 55-14 victory over Illinois.

Turning Point:

This one was effectively over before the first quarter had ticked off the clock - when J.T. Barrett found Devin Smith for a 32-yard TD with about a minute and a half left in the period, you could tell from the Illini body language that this one was done and dusted. Ohio State eventually scored 48 unanswered before Illinois managed to put points on the board.

Ohio State MVP: 

There are plenty of options after a blowout like this one, but we have to hand it to the OSU backfield. Six players (Ezekiel Elliott, Curtis Samuel, Jalin Marshall, J.T. Barrett, Cardale Jones and Warren Ball) rushed the ball for the Buckeyes, and not one averaged fewer than five yards per attempt (all had at least five carries). The OSU backfield racked up 294 yards and three touchdowns on 43 total carries.

What's Next?

The 7-1 Buckeyes head into Michigan State week with plenty of momentum, and they'll need it to upset the #8 Spartans, who've had all week to rest up.

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