Win out; win two more games; that's all Ohio State has to do. Two games stand between the Buckeyes and a second straight trip to the national title game. The first test of these two will be up-and-coming Illinois.

And what a rise from the ashes it has been for the Illinois program that had a combined 8 wins the previous three years. Illinois will attempt to match that total for the year on Saturday and improve its record to 8-3. Illinois is led by a devastating running attack led by Junior Rashard Mendenhall, who has received some Heisman hype this year. Mendenhall has rushed for over 1300 yards and 14 touchdowns this year, which makes him tied for 4th in the nation. Under the gun is Juice Williams, a sophomore running quarterback with serious Vick-like tendencies. Juice has rushed for over 500 yards in limited time this year.

Keys to the Game

The biggest hurdle OSU will face is stopping the aforementioned rushing attack of Illinois. James Laurinaitis and company should be able to handle the job if they employ enough spies on Juice and can get solid hits on Mendenhall at the line.

Offensively Ohio State matches up pretty well against the Illinois defense. J Leman is one of the best linebackers in the country, but the rest of the defense isn't up to his level. Ohio State should be able to strike early and often with a run-and-gun combination of Todd Boeckman and Beanie Wells.

Stat of the Week

12: The number of rushing yards the Bucks defense allowed Wisconsin last Saturday.

Prediction

Ohio State struggles early to stop the run, but Todd Boeckman puts the Bucks in the lead and forces Illinois to pass the ball. Ohio State wins 34-20.