CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Call it rust… call it first-game jitters amid high expectations… call it a lack of preparation due to COVID-19 obstacles… call it whatever you want. But No. 2-ranked Ohio State needed a late field goal from Blake Haubeil to avoid a potentially disastrous result during its Big Ten opener. The Buckeyes got just that with three seconds remaining, as their senior kicker buried a 23-yard attempt to help OSU emerge from Memorial Stadium over upset-minded Illinois, 27-24. Ohio State appeared ready to deliver a runaway victory that many expected, marching right down the field on its opening possession and culminating with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields to a wide-open Jaylen Harris. The senior receiver made a tip-toe catch in the back of the end zone for his first career TD. Haubeil then buried a 42-yard field goal to give the Buckeyes a 10-0 lead after…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Survives Massive Scare, Escapes Illinois in Virtual Season Opener
