CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Four years ago, a struggling Ohio State team with an interim coach came to windy Memorial Stadium, attempted four passes, completed one and beat Illinois 17-7.
Saturday's 28-3 victory was more watchable. Slightly.
Ohio State slogged through most of the first half, looked surprisingly inconsistent along the offensive line but found its footing behind a swarming defense and running back Ezekiel Elliott. The Heisman Trophy race might have filled its running back quota already, but there should be room for Elliott, the one constant for a Buckeyes offense searching for quarterback clarity.