An offense doesn't have to be perfect when its defense continues playing at generational levels.
No. 17 Illinois might have been the first team to manage double digits against the Silver Bullets during a 34-16 Ohio State win, but only after another goal-line stand and three turnovers forced by the Buckeyes' ball stoppers. One of the Fighting Illini's touchdowns came late in the fourth quarter against a mix of starters and backups on defense as well.
Ohio State leaned heavier on the running game with 34 called passes and 28 called runs, partially due to the short fields gifted by its defense, but averaged just 2.