Ohio State Drops Illinois in Football

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.-- Wes Lunt was 23 of 47 for 241 yards, but Illinois couldn't find the end zone in its 28-3 loss against No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

The Fighting Illini defense went toe-to-toe with the Buckeyes offensive attack, forcing two turnovers - one fumble recovery by Dawuane Smootand an interception by Caleb Day.

Smoot also registered a sack and Illinois registered six tackles for loss. But Ohio State eventually wore down the Orange & Blue defense. Ezekiel Elliott ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns.

Taylor Zaklewski scored the only points of the day for Illinois on a 46-yard field goal early in the second quarter. A second field-goal try from Zalewski from 50 yards just hit off the upright.

The Buckeyes (10-0, 6-0 Big Ten) started slowly and led 7-3 for much of the first half before Elliott picked up the pace. Elliott accounted for 50 of the Buckeyes' 75 yards on a third quarter drive that opened a 21-3 lead over the Illini (5-5, 2-4).

Quarterback J.T. Barrett, starting again after being suspended for last week's game, threw for 150 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also ran for 74 yards.