Jeremiah Smith delivered another historic performance as No. 7 Ohio State opened Big Ten play with a 42-19 win over Illinois, finishing with 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns. The Buckeyes moved to 3-1 and kept the Illibuck in Columbus, but the final score did not tell the whole story. Illinois piled up 462 yards of offense, including 199 on the ground, raising some legitimate defensive questions as Ohio State prepares for a road test at Iowa.

The Buckeyes answered their first loss with a rout. Now the standard changes: No. 7 Ohio State must prove that its response can hold up against a Big Ten opponent capable of testing the exact areas that remain unresolved.

Illinois arrives in Columbus with the same 2–1 record as Ohio State after defeating Southern Illinois 48–10. Quarterback Katin Houser passed for 305 yards and two touchdowns in the win, giving Matt Patricia’s secondary something legitimate to prepare for. The Fighting Illini are still substantial underdogs, but they represent a meaningful step up from Kent State and an opportunity for the Buckeyes to begin conference play by showing measurable improvement.

Ohio State delivered the response it needed against Kent State, but a 59–3 final did not answer every question. This week’s Monday Musings looks at Jeremiah Smith’s record, the emergence of the Buckeyes’ young receivers, the run-game and third-down concerns still lingering, and what the return of the Illibuck means as Big Ten play begins.

No. 1 Ohio State heads to Champaign for a Big Noon showdown with No. 17 Illinois in what could be its toughest road test yet. The Buckeyes remain unbeaten after another dominant defensive showing, allowing just two touchdowns all season, while freshman quarterback Julian Sayin continues to look like a seasoned veteran under center.