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GAME NOTES: Big Ten rivals collide in Columbus, as the 13th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes host the Illinois Fighting Illini. The Buckeyes hold a commanding 61-30-4 advantage in the all-time series, but the Illini have won three of the last four meetings on OSU's home field.

Illinois was crushed by Missouri in the season opener, 37-9, but bounced back with a 45-17 win over Illinois State two weeks ago in the team's most recent outing. It is hard to get too excited about that victory, however, as Illinois State is a member of the FCS and didn't have the talent to compete with a Big Ten squad. The Illini enter this contest with a 3-6 record in their last nine games against ranked opponents, but they have had success against Ohio State as mentioned above.

Speaking of the Buckeyes, they have already played three games and own a 2-1 record. They barely squeaked by Navy in the opener before falling to USC the following week. Fortunately, the finally showed their true ability in a 38-0 romp over Toledo last weekend in Cleveland. Four of the next six outings will take place at home, and the Buckeyes figure to have as good a chance as any team to win the Big Ten in 2009.

Illinois quarterback Juice Williams can break the program's career total offense record with 171 yards against the Buckeyes this weekend. In doing so, he would also crack the top-10 on the Big Tens career total offensive yardage list. The UI offense leads the Big Ten and ranks 16th in the nation in rushing yards per game (247.0) and ranks second in the conference in total offense (436.5). Williams, who is fighting through a thigh injury, completed 64.3 percent of his passes for only 179 yards in week one and sat out week two. Eddie McGee started against Illinois State, but Williams figures to be back on Saturday. The fact that star wideout Arrelious Benn has just one catch to date is shocking.

Illinois rushed for 384 yards against Illinois State, the sixth-highest single game total in the NCAA through the first two weeks of the season. Jason Ford led the charge with 137 yards and one touchdown, and McGee, who was efficient under center, had two rushing scores.

"I think that Eddie McGee is a good quarterback as well and we're very, very blessed and fortunate to have two good quarterbacks that can win for us," said coach Ron Zook after the contest."

The Illini defense was overmatched against Missouri in the opener, and played much better against weak competition in the Illinois State game. Therefore, there is no reason to believe that Illinois is ready to march into Columbus and silence the Buckeye offense. Sure, the Illini have been strong against the run, yielding just 2.8 yards per carry, but they have been poor against the pass, giving up 11.9 yards per connection, 339.5 passing ypg and five touchdowns through the air. Ian Thomas leads the club with 17 tackles, including two TFLs and one sack.

Considering the fact that Illinois allowed 398 total yards to Illinois State, there is obviously room for improvement defensively.

"Luckily, we have two weeks before we go to Columbus and we're just going to try to work on those types of things and work on and assignments and getting all that cleaned up," said Doug Pilcher, looking ahead to this weekend's battle.

Terrelle Pryor finally had a breakout game for Ohio State in last weekend's win over Toledo, as the talented quarterback ran for 110 yards and a touchdown while also throwing for 262 yards and three scores. On a down note, Pryor was intercepted twice and still has plenty of room for improvement. Dan Sanzenbacher was tremendous on the outside, as the receiver made five grabs for 126 yards and two scores. OSU finished with 522 yards and scored five offensive touchdowns.

"I'm just here to win," said Pryor after the victory. "Whether it's 100 yards passing or 100 yards rushing...it's not always realistic. Of course I want it, but I'll still do whatever I can to get a win."

Just a couple of weeks ago, college football fans watched Toledo march up and down the field at will against Colorado of the Big 12 in an offensive clinic. Therefore, the fact that the Buckeyes were able to blank the Rockets last weekend was truly impressive. OSU surrendered a mere 210 total yards, including 13 rushing yards on 13 attempts. The Buckeyes permitted less than half of the passes that they faced to be completed as well.

"That was our focus, to get to him and make him throw it quickly," defensive end Thaddeus Gibson said of Toledo quarterback Aaron Opelt, who entered the contest as the national leader in total offense.

Ohio State is averaging 28.0 ppg this season while limiting opponents to 15.0 ppg. While the Buckeyes are generating 383.3 total ypg, they are limiting foes to 288.3 total ypg. Pryor has six total touchdowns to his credit and nearly 800 total yards, but the four interceptions and 56.8 percent completion rating leave something to be desired.

Expect an Ohio State victory this weekend over an Illinois team that has proven absolutely nothing thus far in 2009. Whether Juice Williams is at 100 percent or not, it simply won't matter.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Ohio State 31, Illinois 14