Ohio State first thoughts: Defense, takeaways lead Buckeyes past Illinois

Ohio State didn't have its A game offensively, but the defense picked up the slack

Ohio State’s captains take the field ahead of Saturday’s game at Illinois. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State athletics)

COLUMBUS — First thoughts on No. 1 Ohio State’s 34-16 win against No. 17 Illinois on Saturday in Champaign, Ill.

A Jeremiah Smith scare, and a good response

Smith, Ohio State’s uber-talented sophomore receiver, took the ball on a reverse in the third quarter. The two blockers in front of him got crossed up in their assignments and allowed a free-running defensive back to upend Smith, who landed awkwardly on his head and had his body nearly fold in half.

He left the game briefly, appearing to indicate his back was sore from the fall.