Buckeyes in command against waterlogged Illini

Big Ten Blog

September, 26, 2009

Sep 26

5:04

PM ET

By Adam Rittenberg

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The rain has been the big story so far in Columbus, but Ohio State is handling the elements a lot better than Illinois through one half of play.

Behind dominant defense and a totally one-dimensional offense, the Buckeyes are shutting out Illinois 13-0 at halftime in a monsoon. Ohio State's defense hasn't allowed a point in six quarters, since the final stages of its Sept. 12 loss to USC. Illini quarterback Juice Williams has struggled in the miserable conditions, completing just 6 of 15 pass attempts with an interception, and he's trying to get the run game going, which won't be easy. The combination of the rain and Ohio State's ever-improving defense seems to be working against the Illini.

Terrelle Pryor has yet to complete a pass for the Buckeyes, and at this rate, he might not attempt many more. The Buckeyes are mixing in running backs Dan Herron and Brandon Saine nicely and capitalizing on a shorthanded Illini defense. Penalties have hurt Illinois so far, and Ohio State kicker Aaron Pettrey has come up big with two long field goals. If only Jim Tressel had trusted Pettrey a little more against USC.

Tags:

Illinois Fighting Illini, Ohio State Buckeyes, Terrelle Pryor, Dan Herron, Jim Tressel, Juice Williams, Brandon Saine, Aaron Pettrey

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