CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Illinois’ 53-point loss three weeks ago at Indiana isn’t fooling Ohio State coach Ryan Day as he prepares his No. 1-ranked Buckeyes to face the No. 17 Illini on the road Saturday.
“I can’t explain that game. It’s an outlier,” Day said. “You have to throw out the film because that’s not who we’re playing. That’s not who they are. Bret (Illinois coach Bret Bielema) is one of the best coaches in the country. He’s a resilient guy, and he has a resilient team.”
Illinois (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) bounced back from the embarrassing loss to Indiana with wins over Southern California and Purdue.
“We need to have our best week of practice all year this week, and play with a ton of energy Saturday,” Day said. “There’s going to be a great atmosphere there. I know that, and our p