Illinois matchup nightmares; Brian Hartline vs. other Ohio State OCs; Michigan trick plays; offensive line even better next year? Mailbag

Bill and Doug answer more questions from subscribers about the Buckeyes

How much of the Ohio State offensive line could return next season? (Photo courtesy of Ohio State)

COLUMBUS — As always, we got a bunch of great questions from you, so we went for more than two hours on the Wednesday show and still have so many left over. Here are five more questions and answers from both Bill and Doug about Ohio State football. And we’ll probably do another show with more we still have left.

Thanks again for the curiosity and input.

Does this Illinois team have any matchup nightmares like they did with Juice Williams? — Frank

Bill: Quarterback Luke Altmyer has thrown 12 touchdowns against zero interceptions, and he’s No. 4 in the country in passing efficiency, all of which is remarkable because he’s been running for his life behind a suspect offensive line. He’s a veteran, and he’s a gamer.

The quarterbacks at Texas, Washington and Minnesota had a combined four starts coming into this season, and seemed unable to recognize what Ohio State’s defense threw at them. Saturday will be Altmyer’s 30th career start. I’m curious if he can process what the Buckeyes are doing a little quicker than Arch Manning, Demond Williams and Drake Lindsey. Doing so doesn’t mean Illinois will win, but it could be a fun chess match … or maybe Ohio State’s defensive line will sack him seven times like Indiana did and it won’t matter.

Receiver Hank Beatty is a stud. He should be in All-American conversations. He has 32 receptions for 569 yards and two touchdowns. He also has a rushing touchdown, punt return touchdown and passing touchdown. He’s second among all Power Four receivers with 290 yards after the catch. Beatty plays primarily out of the slot, which could put Ohio State nickel Lorenzo Styles Jr. in the spotlight this week.