Illinois HC Bret Bielema makes major statement with his thoughts on Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes

Bret Bielema makes a major statement about this Buckeyes team 

“A tremendous challenge here with Ohio State,” Bielema said on Wednesday. “Got a lot of respect for Ryan and his staff and ya know several of his coaches. They’re playing at a high level on defense. Offensively, I know Ryan’s influence and what they do offensively. It’s a very explosive offense. They got guys on the perimeter [and] very, very good up front. Offensive line, good tight end package, good wide receivers, special teams, good athletes all over the field, and they execute very, very well. A tremendous challenge. No. 1 team in the country for a reason.”

Illinois is led by a pretty good quarterback with Luke Altmyer, who has 12 touchdown passes to zero interceptions while averaging 262 passing yards per game this season. Altmyer is one of the better quarterbacks that the Buckeyes will see this season and it’ll be a good challenge for the defense. Ohio State has already seen Texas’ Arch Manning and Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. this season. Altmyer may be the best of the bunch at this time. Ohio State goes into this game giving up just five points per game and that’s first in college football. The Buckeyes are allowing 216 yards per game through five games. 

The Buckeyes are two-score favorites in Illinois but the game has to be played. Going on the road in the Big Ten can be a challenge anytime and at Illinois is no different. Bilema has the Illini back to respectable territory in the Big Ten and this won’t be a game that comes easy for the Buckeyes. 

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