“Maturity is often more absurd than youth and very frequently is most unjust to youth.” ~ Thomas Edison
In the continuing saga of adjusting quotes for my articles from famous Ohioans, I offer up the quote from famous Ohioan and the father of invention, Thomas Edison.
The theme of youth was something that was abundantly and repeatedly stressed to me on the latest Silver Bullets Podcast, and it will be apparent to Ohio State fans who watch the 9th-ranked Buckeyes welcome back the Illinois Fighting Illini to Ohio Stadium for the first time since the 2014 national championship season.
If you recall, former Buckeye quarterback Cardale Jones was especially welcoming during that game.
This game will also mark the final home game for the 2017 season, and more importantly, the final appearance in Ohio Stadium for a tremendous group of seniors.
Many thanks to all of them for their significant contributions to Ohio State football over the years.
?? @OSUCoachMeyer on Seniors: This is a very successful class. Wonderful guys. We ask them to jump & they say how high. That's what you look for in players.
There's a group of seniors, this group, that you wish weren't leaving. pic.twitter.com/jfYmoCqbNH— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) November 16, 2017
After all the hugs, handshakes, and salutes have taken place, there will be a football game played. Below are three areas I will be focusing on when Illinois and Ohio State kick off in Ohio Stadium at 3:30pm on November 18th.
Louis Dorsey Will Be a Prime Receiving Option for Illinois
A freshman tight end from Jacksonville, Florida, Dorsey is the second-leading receiver for the Fighting Illini. Listed at 6’6″, 225 pounds, Dorsey currently has 18 receptions for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns, ranking second on the team. While Ohio State covered Michigan State’s tight end Matt Sokol effectively last week (Sokol’s stat line = 2 receptions for 10 yards), it will not be surprising if Dorsey is the quick outlet target for Illinois. And the reason I believe that is…
Illinois Will Look to Get Rid of The Ball Quickly
Illinois is starting three true freshmen and a redshirt freshman at center. Yikes. That might explain why Illinois ranks near the bottom of The B1G in scoring offense, total offense, and rushing offense. The only offensive category where Illinois is not near the bottom of The B1G is on passing offense. The problem for the Fighting Illini is that their offensive line will be facing a dominant Ohio State defensive line. The best way to counter the aggressive Buckeye defensive line, and keep Illinois quarterback Jeff George, Jr. upright, is to throw screens, hit running backs such as Kendrick Foster out of the backfield, and target Louis Dorsey, if possible.
Illinois Is Proficient at Creating Turnovers
It is no secret that Illinois is struggling offensively. The Fighting Illini defense has kept the team in games as best they can, often causing turnovers. Sophomore safeties Patrick Nelson and Stanley Green are ranked among the B1G leaders in forced fumbles, each credited with two. Ohio State is currently +2 in turnover margin, but Illinois may surprise fans with an unexpected turnover at some point in the game.
OSU Wins BIG> Take Michigan & the points. I think they win straight up!!! How OSU plays on Saturday will tell us if they beat Michigan or not!!!
Lets not forget that Iowa started a true and a RS frosh at the OT positions. LG and Center were Juniors and the only senior was at RG. Illinois’ is a little bit younger but the talent level is pretty much the same. The entire Country witnessed Iowa’s offensive line literally beat the snot out of the Buckeyes vaunted defensive front, and their 2 freshman tackles made the experience and talent the Buckeyes have at defensive end look completely pathetic, undeveloped and, hardly worthy of a scholarship at any FBS school.
Illinois outgained Iowa in their head to head, losing because their quarterback was an interception waiting to happen. SOUND FAMILIAR?
The Illini defense gave up fewer yards and points to that same Iowa team that alley raped the Buckeyes on both sides of the ball.
The only thing I’ll be looking for is whether or not the Buckeyes show up to play football or not. If they show up wearing leotards and ballet shoes again, like they did against Oklahoma and Iowa it will be an unhappy Senior Day in Ohio Stadium.
This should be a walk in the park game for the Buckeyes, but then again, Iowa should have as well. In case anyone has forgotten, that didn’t turn out so well.