The numbers don’t lie. Through eight grueling weeks of NCAA football, Ohio State stands alone atop one staggering statistic: not a single rushing touchdown allowed.

In a season marked by upsets, collapses, and chaos, the Buckeyes’ defense has stood like a brick wall against every ground assault thrown their way. From Big Ten bruisers to high-speed trick plays, no one has broken the red line.

But as Saturday looms, history taps on their shoulder with a smirk.

They’re facing Illinois.

And if you believe in curses, this one’s heavy.

HISTORY HITS HARD

The last five ranked matchups between these two have ended in heartbreak for Ohio State. Illinois has owned this rivalry when the spotlight is brightest:

• 2001: Illinois 34, Ohio State 22

• 1991: Illinois 10, Ohio State 3

• 1990: Illinois 31, Ohio State 20

• 1983: Illinois 17, Ohio State 13

And now, in 2025, the Buckeyes enter the game ranked #1, with Illinois looming at #17.

Head Coach Ryan Day didn’t sugarcoat it:

“We’re not just playing Illinois. We’re playing ghosts. But this team isn’t scared of ghosts anymore.”

This week at practice, players wore shirts that read “Erase the Past” — a quiet but powerful reminder that this isn’t just another week. It’s a reckoning.

DEFENSE BUILT DIFFERENT

What makes this Ohio State team different? Start with Jeremiah Smith.

The star linebacker and emotional anchor of the Buckeyes’ defense went viral last week after this declaration:

“If Illinois thinks they’re gonna run on us, they better bring history books instead of footballs. ‘Cause that’s the only way they’re scoring.”

Smith, who leads the nation in tackles-for-loss, added:

“We’re not just trying to win. We’re trying to bury the past. Brick by brick. Hit by hit.”

These aren’t just bold words. Ohio State leads the country in:

• Red zone stops

• 3rd-down conversion prevention

• Overall rushing yards allowed per game

They’ve limited high-powered offenses to a crawl. Even Heisman-contending running backs have found nothing but turf and pain against this unit.

Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles said:

“This unit doesn’t care what your playbook says. They’ll rip it up at the line of scrimmage.”

In other words? Good luck, Illinois.

MOMENTS THAT DEFINE SEASONS

This game isn’t just about rankings. It’s about defining the soul of this team.

Every season has that one moment. That one obstacle. That one ghost.
For Ohio State in 2025, it’s Illinois.

“They’ve haunted us,” said junior safety Malik Hartford. “But we’re the ones wearing red now. We’re the ones in charge.”

Practice this week has been more intense, more physical. No music, no dancing. Just pure focus.

“We’re done being the team that folds in this matchup,” Hartford added. “We’re the hammer now, not the nail.”

OFFENSE QUIETLY HUNGRY

While the defense grabs headlines, don’t overlook the offense.

Quarterback Julian Sayin has found his rhythm, racking up 14 TDs in the last three games. Wide receiver tandem Carnell Tate and Emeka Egbuka have emerged as nightmare matchups for secondaries, and running back TreVeyon Henderson continues to rack up all-purpose yards even against the toughest fronts.

“We know the D is doing their thing,” Sayin told reporters. “But we’re not just riding that wave. We’re here to score early, fast, and often.”

And perhaps the most chilling quote of the week came from offensive lineman Donovan Jackson:

“They’re gonna feel every snap. We’re not just here to win. We’re here to punish.”

ILLINOIS RESPONDS

Not to be outdone, Illinois has embraced the underdog role. Head Coach Bret Bielema said:

“Let’s not pretend they’re invincible. They’re kids. We’ve broken them before. We can break them again.”

Linebacker Derrick Hamilton added:

“Jeremiah Smith can talk all he wants. We’ll see how loud he is when he’s flat on his back.”

And just like that, the rivalry went from historic to personal.

A NATION WATCHES

Saturday’s game isn’t just a battle for the Big Ten. It’s a chance for Ohio State to shake loose from the grip of decades-old demons.

Every ESPN segment. Every tweet. Every radio show. They’re all asking the same thing:
Will history repeat itself? Or will Ohio State finally rise above?

For Ryan Day, the answer is simple:

“The past doesn’t walk on that field with us. But the future does. And we’re about to meet it head-on.”

LEGACY ON THE LINE

This isn’t just about rankings or playoff implications. This is about legacy.

For seniors like Jeremiah Smith, it’s the final chance to flip the script.

“We’re not leaving this school with that stain. Not on my watch,” Smith said.

As the final whistle draws near, the Buckeyes know this is more than a game. It’s a reckoning.

Because sometimes, the toughest opponent isn’t the team across the line.
It’s the ghosts in your own history.

And this time, Ohio State plans to send those ghosts packing.

FINAL WORD

With playoff pressure, defensive dominance, and emotional stakes at their peak, Saturday’s Ohio State vs. Illinois showdown promises to be one of the most watched, most intense games of the 2025 college football season.

Whether it’s redemption or repetition — one thing is certain:

History will be made.