“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.