OSU Loses Illibuck Trophy...And Some Other Stuff

With just one game remaining until their rivalry showdown with Michigan, #1 Ohio State played Illinois on Senior Day at the 'Shoe. They did not leave the stadium with the ranking intact, as the Illini and their hideous hunting-clad fans dashed the Buckeyes national title hopes 28-21. A few notes from the Sunday hangover:

*This Ohio State team, which is fairly young and inexperienced, has shown a propensity to let their guard down in recent weeks. It happened against Michigan State when they were comfortably leading. It happened last week against Wisconsin. And after bolting to a 7-0 lead yesterday, it happened again.

*Illinois controlled much of the game with a spread option running attack that Buckeyes fans knew could give them trouble. Of course, I expected that trouble would come from someone like Oregon's Dennis Dixon or West Virginia's Pat White. So stout against the run statistically, the Buckeyes have been gashed at times by opposing runners. The numbers look good because (a) negative plays like sacks count against the run totals; and (b) teams that were behind were forced to abandon the run.

*With time winding down in the fourth, Illinois was basically able to run out the clock using the same variation of the QB draw from the shotgun formation. It is unconscionable that the defense couldn't recognize and stop this.

*Todd Boeckman, meet reality. Todd had shown a proclivity for turnovers, especially in bunches, during a few games this season. But his three pick stinker yesterday was added evidence that this is a still a 23-year old learning on the job. Fans who saw Mel Kiper Jr. rank him as the #1 junior QB might be scratching their heads. Or laughing hysterically.

*Beanie Wells got dinged up, again. He's a physical back and has a problem staying healthy. But he generally had a decent game, even if hampered by injury. However, he's never going to a Heisman type guy if he can't keep himself upright for a few games in a row.

*The secondary look awful, especially redshirt freshman Chimdi Chekwa. He was burnt on a number of plays and missed a critical third down tackle on Juice Williams in the fourth. The Buckeyes are great a developing corners, and great at developing unheralded talent, but Chekwa isn't their yet.

*OSU and their fans will now be treated to a week's worth of I Told You So's from media jerk offs like Mark May. It's an odd feeling because no one expected to win a title this year. But the opportunity was there, and it's a shame to choke it away at home against a mediocre Illinois team. This isn't losing on the road to rival Michigan or in a BCS bowl to a touch opponent. This is a pure letdown. Looking ahead? Exposed? It's still a loss that Buckeyes fans won't soon forget, especially to mastermind Ron Zook.

*The focus now turns entirely to Michigan, with the outright Big Ten title and a trip to the Rose Bowl at stake. While the Buckeyes are licking their wounds from an embarrassing defeat, the Wolverines are also in limbo. They played terribly against Wisconsin, and the health status of stars Mike Hart and Chad Henne remain in doubt. I've said all year that every intangible - the seniors coming back, the losing streak to OSU, the home field, Lloyd Carr's potential retirement, even the loss to App. State - all work in Michigan's favor. So it will be interesting to see how the game goes.