Video: Daniels’ pick: Ohio State 35, UI 21 » more Videographer: Bob Asmussen/The News-Gazette Can the Illini pull off an upset similar to what they did at Ohio State in 2007? Beat writer Matt Daniels doesn’t think so. Ohio State 7, Illinois 0. 11:25 left in first quarter J.T. Barrett overthrew a wide-open Jeff Heuerman.Didn’t matter. Ohio State running back Curtis Samuel made up for the Ohio State quarterback’s miscue on the next play with a 23-yard touchdown run where he was untouched down the right sideline to give the Buckeyes the early lead.What Illinois couldn’t afford to do, turn the ball over, happened on the first drive with Matt LaCosse dropping an easy reception, which allowed Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee to easily haul in the interception and return it 27 yards.Not the start Illinois wanted. At all. KickoffMore than 100,000 fans have crammed their way into Ohio Stadium on a cold and windy night here in central Ohio. Most are expecting an Ohio State romp ahead of the Buckeyes’ showdown next Saturday against Michigan State in East Lansing.Anything less than a three-touchdown win by Ohio State would be viewed mostly as a disappointment by Ohio State supporters.Juice Williams has walked around with a bit more of a swagger this week. It’s the first time since he graduated from Illinois he’s back at Ohio Stadium in tow with his Illini.The former Illinois quarterback, who famously helped engineer the 28-21 upset against the Buckeyes during the 2007 season here in Columbus, is in his first season on Tim Beckman’s staff, helping former players stay connected with the program and with on-campus recruiting efforts in his new role.Beckman has had Williams talk to the team at numerous times since he joined the staff last spring about the 2007 game that he played a big part of.“We talk about it in the locker room and just hanging out with him,” Illinois quarterback Reilly O’Toole said. “That was one of the highlights of his career, beating the No. 1 team. You just have casual conversations with him about it.”The Ohio State marching band made its way onto the field about 7:50 p.m., and formed a block I, along with spelling out ILLINI during its pregame festivities. Looking forward to the halftime show.Speaking of things to look forward to, Bob Asmussen caught up with Mike Ware, the former Illinois offensive lineman who carried J Leman on his shoulders following that win in 2007, earlier this week. …
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