Ohio State QB Julian Sayin adds running to his game in win over Illinois
· Yahoo Sports
No. 7 Ohio State opened Big Ten play with a 42-19 win over Illinois at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 26.
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Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith's early push for this year's Heisman Trophy continued, as he scored a career-high four touchdowns, three in the first half. Smith also reached career highs in receiving yards (217) and catches (12).
Here are the game's key moments and takeaways:
Julian Sayin finds success on the run
In his second meeting with the Fighting Illini, Sayin finished with a touchdown and 29 yards on the ground. Sayin's 7-yard scoring run was over twice as long as his career-first in the season-opener against Ball State.
Sayin entered this season aiming to be more efficient on the run after rushing for just minus-44 yards as a first-year starter.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema predicted Sayin would utilize his legs more following the Fighting Illini's 34-16 loss to the Buckeyes last season.
Offensive line provides strong protection, despite missing a starter
Ohio State's offensive line was without Phillip Daniels for a second game, as the starting right tackle suffered a lower-body injury against Texas on Sept. 12.
The Buckeyes went with the same adjusted starting offensive line they had against Kent State last week, slotting Austin Sieveld in at right tackle and giving Gabe VanSickle the start at right guard.
The offensive line, which used a sixth lineman on multiple plays, kept Illinois without a sack the entire game, marking the first time Sayin went without being sacked this season.
Ohio State defense struggles to contain Illinois' big plays
Illinois' touchdowns came as the result of two big gains.
Tight end Jordan Anderson scored Fighting Illini's first touchdown on a 22-yard run in the first quarter, and quarterback Katin Houser connected with wide receiver Ty Robinson on a 27-yard throw for their second in the fourth quarter.
Ohio State applied solid pressure on Houser and the running game at the start of the game, limiting the Illini to just 34 yards and recording a sack during their opening drive. But the Buckeyes struggled to keep their play consistent, allowing Illinois to log 6.5 yards per play.
Jeremiah Smith's cross-up highlights career-best performance
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith added another touchdown to his highlight reel when he beat out Illinois' defensive back Mac Resetich to grab a 45-yard pass from quarterback Julian Sayin. While Resetich caught up to Smith near the 27-yard line, the Buckeyes' junior faked out Resetich twice, creating an open path to the end zone.
Smith exceeded the one touchdown and 42 yards he had last season against the Fighting Illini less than 12 minutes into this year's matchup.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State QB Julian Sayin adds running to his game in win over Illinois