How the Top-Ranked Buckeyes Lost to the Fighting Illini

Ohio State had an easy route in front of them to New Orleans. The BCS National Championship was right in front of them. So how did this all disappear in one afternoon in Columbus?

Unfortunately, the Fighting Illini came to town to upset the top-ranked Buckeyes 28-21.

In 17 previous games against number one teams, Illinois had never won. This was the first time that unranked Illinois upset a number one ranked team. The loss also shattered Ohio State's streak of 20 Big Ten wins (a record streak).

Ohio State was the most recent team to become upset this season. Considered a lock for the 2008 BCS National Championship game, Ohio State, now boasting a 10-1, 6-1 Big Ten record, faces rival Michigan next week. Illinois has a 8-3, 5-2 Big Ten record and faces Northwestern.

Juice Williams, QB for Illinois, was 12 for 22 and threw for 141 yards and 4 touchdowns. All four touchdowns were thrown to different receivers: Michael Hoomanawanui, Jacob Willis, Brian Gamble, and Marques Wilkins. Daniel Dufrene rushed for 105 yards in 8 carries. QB Juice Williams also ran for 70 yards. The Fighting Illini completed 21 first downs and was 8 for 16 on third down. They had 406 total yards - 265 rushing yards and 141 passing yards.

Ohio State's Todd Boeckman was 13 for 23 and threw for 155 yards and no touchdowns. He also threw 3 interceptions. Running back Chris Wells rushed 20 times for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns. Todd Boeckman also rushed for 68 yards. The Buckeyes had 339 offensive yards - 184 rushing yards and 155 passing yards.

The loss ended Ohio State's national championship dreams and caused them to be tied for first in the Big Ten. Michigan lost to Wisconsin earlier in the day. Illinois will most likely remain at third place in the Big Ten.

The main reason for Ohio State's loss was the performance of quarterback Todd Boeckman. He didn't throw any touchdowns but instead tossed 3 costly interceptions. The Buckeyes were only 5 for 13 on third downs. The top-ranked defense couldn't hold the Fighting Illini and allowed them to gain 406 yards. The seven point loss was much too close for the statistics. The Buckeyes were lucky to have only lost by seven points to this talented Illinois team.

Ohio State's national championship dreams are crushed, but they most likely still have a bowl game in their future. Look for Illinois to break the top 25 BCS standings this week. For this upset, Illinois may be ranked at around 20 in this week's BCS standings.

Be sure to watch Ohio State play Michigan next week while Illinois takes on Northwestern.

Sources:

Ohio State Roster: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/oob/roster;_ylt=AnucSbr8BTzqu1Z_RpUvSffA1LYF

Illinois Roster: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/iic/roster;_ylt=AnucSbr8BTzqu1Z_RpUvSfd81LYF

Box Score: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/boxscore;_ylt=Ak0aqDq3s8xbg34OJPj3O4LyvbYF?gid=200711100033

Recap: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200711100033