Daily Buckeye Blitz: Ohio State Offensive Grades vs Illinois | Sayin Steady, Run Game Stalls

Ohio State improves to 6-0 after a 34-16 road win over Illinois — but it wasn't pretty on offense. The Buckeyes scored just one offensive TD in the first half and struggled to finish drives despite four short fields.

In this episode, we break down offensive stats, PFF trends, and player grades from the win in Champaign:

📊 Key Takeaways:

• Julian Sayin: 18/27, 173 yards, 2 TDs — efficient but conservative

• Playcalling imbalance: 37 runs vs. 27 passes, only 4.6 YPP

• Bo Jackson & CJ Donaldson combine for 91 rushing yards on 23 carries

• OSU still hasn't hit 4.5 YPC in three straight games

• Jeremiah Smith & Carnell Tate steady in quiet WR day

• Red zone rhythm issues: 2 TDs on 5 trips

• Offensive line strong in pass pro, soft in short yardage

Grades: QB: B | RB: C- | WR/TE: B | OL: B- | Playcalling: C+

🧩 The defense is carrying the load — but the offense must find rhythm and red zone efficiency before Penn State.

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Monday, October 13, 2025

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