CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Ohio State had 14 players from its national championship team selected in the NFL draft, which tied the team record and raised legitimate questions about who would fill the holes.
Rebuilding years don't happen at Ohio State, but the Buckeyes projected as a team that might evolve over time. Halfway through the regular season, the Buckeyes' growth spurt has already come, and the team looks fully capable of defending its title. Top-ranked Ohio State improved to 6-0 Saturday with a mostly stress-free 34-16 win at No. 17 Illinois, bolstered by a largely new-look defense that continues to flex despite allowing a season-high points total.