Ohio

How did Ohio State football grade out vs Illinois?

Published

6 months ago

October 11, 2025

How did Ohio State football grade out vs Illinois?

Ohio State football won its 10th consecutive game and retained control of the Illibuck, beating Illinois 34-16 in a physical showcase from the Buckeyes’ defense.

Coming off back-to-back weeks with 30-plus points, the Fighting Illini offense struggled. Illinois allowed 21 points off three turnovers. Though quarterback Luke Altmyer finished with 248 passing yards, the most Ohio State has allowed an opposing quarterback this season, Illinois converted on just 4 of 14 third downs and averaged 1.7 yards per rush. The Buckeyes stalled Illinois long enough to pull away by the fourth quarter.

Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin completed 70% of his passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns while wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught a touchdown for his fifth straight game.

Ohio State maintained its undefeated 6-0 record ahead of a road matchup against Wisconsin.

How did the Buckeyes grade in their win? Leaves are awarded on a zero-to-five basis.

Offense (4 leaves)

To no one’s surprise, the Buckeyes did not score a touchdown on their opening possession; the last time that happened was against Grambling State a month ago. Sayin did what he does best, giving up no turnovers and getting the ball into the hands of playmakers. More importantly, the offense ate up the clock and used gifted field position to snatch an early lead, allowing it to maintain a conservative approach.

While the run game took a back seat against Minnesota, it stood out in the first half against the Fighting Illini, specifically Bo Jackson’s playmaking. The freshman looked patient, making tactical decisions through run gaps and leaping to the end zone on a Sayin checkdown to extend the Buckeyes’ lead in the second quarter.

The offense wasn’t at its most efficient. The Buckeyes averaged 4.3 yards per play, and their longest offensive play was a mere 22 yards. In fact, Illinois outgained Ohio State 295 to 272 for the game. Still, scoring 34 points on the road is not easy, and the Buckeyes started most offensive drives around midfield. The Buckeyes converted eight of 15 third-down tries and scored four touchdowns in the red zone.

The offense did not flash as many big plays as the star-studded effort a week ago from Carnell Tate and Smith; it simply did its job.

Defense (5 leaves)

It took six games, but it finally happened. On fourth down at the goal line with 10:09 left in the 3rd quarter, Bret Bielema pulled out his bag of tricks. Receiver Hank Beatty pitched the ball to Aidan Laughery for an easy score, and it was the first red zone touchdown Ohio State has allowed this season. A second came in the third quarter on a 4-yard Collin Dixon TD catch.

Otherwise, Matt Patricia’s defense punished quarterback Luke Altmyer all day. The Buckeyes forced Altmyer’s first interception of the year when Jermaine Mathews Jr. tipped a pass to Payton Pierce for Pierce’s first career pick. Mathews, acting as the slot corner in place of an injured Lorenzo Styles, stepped up again in the third quarter, blitzing Altmyer and forcing a fumble.

Even dealing with some injuries, Ohio State’s defense lobbed several alley oops to the offense. The Silver Bullets forced three turnovers, which led to 21 points. The Buckeyes dominated physically, recording four sacks.

It’s a five-leaf performance because even if OSU’s defense gave up more points than it has in any other game this year, the turnovers set the tone.

Special teams (4 leaves)

Another standard day for the special teams staff. Jayden Fielding made both of his short field-goal tries and had no kick returns get past the 20-yard line.

There were two delay-of-game errors on the punt team in attempts to shift around protection. However, Joe McGuire made just one mistake when he kicked the ball out of bounds for a short 34-yard punt. Brandon Inniss had a solid kick return for 37 yards to wrap up a fine effort from the special teams.

Coaching (4 leaves)

Ryan Day admitted postgame that the Buckeyes “took the foot off the gas” down the stretch of the fourth quarter, but Ohio State had control of the game from the first turnover onward. To this point, no one has figured out how to break Patricia’s complicated defensive scheme.

On offense, Brian Hartline opted to try for four deep passes, converting just one. He called a balanced playbook of passing and rushing plays, similar to the Washington game. On the road, Day’s team proved it can afford to take a conservative route on offense while the defense is in control.

Fun factor (3 leaves)

The first battle for the Illibuck in eight years lasted nearly four hours and saw 11 penalties. Though Illinois showed some fight, Ohio State’s offense stayed conservative with the ground game and went without exciting, TV-worthy plays on offense. From a viewer’s standpoint, Ohio State’s defense looked fast and violent.

On Ohio State’s most exciting touchdown from Bo Jackson, FOX announcer Gus Johnson received some internet criticism for his lack of enthusiasm.

Oddly, Ohio State and Illinois had not had an Illibuck matchup this decade until this season’s game. Jeremiah Smith was the first to raise the wooden turtle trophy, a fun way to cap off the win.

Illinois (3 leaves)

Illinois beat itself up with mistakes that teams typically make in road games: costly turnovers that led to Buckeye scores and disastrous penalties in key moments. Illinois’ punter caught a snap with his knee touching the ground, costing the Illini valuable field position. Altmyer had several of his passes broken up or tipped, but led two trips to the end zone and proved that a 53-point loss three weeks ago to Indiana was a fluke.

Bielema earns a bonus point for the nifty play call that led to Laughery’s TD, but this game felt over by the fourth quarter. It’s back to the drawing board for the Fighting Illini.

Officials (1 leaf)

Defensive back Davison Igbinosun got away with pass interference a few times, most importantly on Illinois’ first end zone try. The Fighting Illini crowd collectively booed when the jumbotron showed the replay.

It happened again in the third quarter when Igbinosun kept Dixon from catching a pass.

The video room overturned several plays. Julian Sayin’s longest throw of the day, a 32-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith, was overturned in the second quarter. It was ruled that Smith did not maintain complete and continuous control of the ball while contacting the ground.

Illinois also fell victim. On a third-down play, Altmyer’s completed pass to Cole Rusk was overturned after replays showed the tight end stepped out of bounds and did not re-enter the field before jumping to make the catch.

The largest miss by the officiating staff came in the third quarter when Altmyer threw to Justin Bowick, who missed the entire end zone and landed with his entire backside out of bounds. On the field, it was called a touchdown. Review properly determined it was not. There was a pass interference penalty called on Devin Sanchez on that same play, which was a correct call.

An overall shaky day from the officials in moments where the game was still in reach for Illinois.

Note: This story was updated to reflect a spelling error.

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Ohio

Ohio Valley hospitals mark Donate Life Month with flag raisings, awareness events

Published

8 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Ohio Valley hospitals mark Donate Life Month with flag raisings, awareness events

BARNESVILLE, Ohio — Blue and green Donate Life flags are flying at several Ohio Valley hospitals this month as health care workers and supporters work to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation.

WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital hosted a flag-raising ceremony Thursday in honor of National Donate Life Month. The event aimed to raise awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation.

In addition to the ceremony, an educational table and a pinwheel garden will be on display at Barnesville Hospital throughout the month. The displays are intended to give visitors a chance to learn more about organ donation and to honor donor heroes.

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Ohio moves to undo Cincinnati’s conversion therapy ban | Opinion

Published

20 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Ohio moves to undo Cincinnati’s conversion therapy ban | Opinion

A proposed Ohio law and U.S. Supreme Court decision could overturn Cincinnati’s ban on conversion therapy, raising concerns about the return of a discredited and harmful practice.

Ben Kelly
| Opinion contributor

Just over 10 years ago, Cincinnati City Council voted to ban conversion therapy in the city. For those who are unfamiliar, conversion therapy is a discredited practice aiming to “cure” patients of their homosexuality. This is at best useless pseudoscience and at worst a dangerous abuse of children.

It proved especially dangerous in 2014 when a transgender teenager in Cincinnati named Leelah Alcorn died by suicide, which she said was in part caused by the conversion therapy she was forced to endure. Conversion therapy is completely ineffective and has already killed at least one Cincinnatian. Unfortunately, many conservatives are arguing that the practice should be protected.

State Representatives Gary Click and Josh Williams have introduced a bill in the Ohio Statehouse that would ban cities from regulating conversion therapy, which would overturn Cincinnati’s ban and bring back this harmful practice. Even more broadly, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v. Salazar seems likely to ban states and cities from regulating conversion therapy.

Turning back the clock

To be clear, these bans leave religious expression untouched. People can still speak out against homosexuality or say whatever they want about LGBTQ rights. These bans target therapy, not religious practices. I believe there can be sensible regulations on therapy to ensure that providers are not doing anything harmful to their patients, in the same way that there are regulations on what medical services a doctor can provide.

The actions by the Ohio GOP and the Supreme Court show that some want to turn the clock back and take away any rights that LGBTQ people have fought for over the past few decades. Gay rights opponents will try to soften their language and say they are just focused on transgender surgeries for minors or fairness in sports, but promoting this practice shows their problem is with gay people in general.

No matter how much you repeat it, you can not “pray the gay away.” Trying to force gay people back into the closet only results in tragedy.

Ben Kelly lives in Over-the-Rhine. A graduate of Northern Kentucky University, he works in government and is active in Democratic politics. Kelly worked with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline from 2019-2022.

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Ohio

Two Republicans running for Ohio treasurer in the May 5 primary

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Two Republicans running for Ohio treasurer in the May 5 primary

Ohio primary voters will send one of two Republican state treasurer candidates on to the 2026 general election.

Current Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is term-limited and cannot seek reelection for the role. Former southeast Ohio state Rep. Jay Edwards and northeast Ohio state Sen. Kristina Roegner are both seeking the GOP nomination for the general election in November.

The winner of the May primary will face Cincinnati City Council Member Seth Walsh, who is running unopposed as the Democratic candidate.

Ohio’s primary election is May 5, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road.

The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.

Jay Edwards

Age: 36

Campaign Website: edwardsforohio.com

Background: Jay Edwards is a native of Nelsonville, Ohio, and a proud son of Appalachia. He earned a B.S. in mathematics from Ohio University, where he played football on scholarship. After college, he started a successful real estate company that he still manages today. At age 27, he flipped a longtime Democratic seat to become state representative for Ohio’s 94th District (2017–2024). He served as House Majority Whip and later chaired the House Finance Committee, where he helped pass a $3.2 billion tax cut and universal school choice. Term-limited in 2025, Edwards is now a Republican candidate for Ohio State Treasurer, committed to fiscal responsibility, opportunity, and supporting working families and businesses across the state.

Why are you the best candidate?: I combine proven fiscal leadership, hands-on experience managing state budgets, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

A graduate of Ohio University with a B.S. in mathematics, I was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives at age 27 and served from 2017 to 2024. As House Finance Committee chair, I helped deliver a $3.2 billion tax cut for Ohio families and businesses, advanced universal school choice, and secured critical investments in infrastructure and economic development.

What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio treasurer, I will modernize the office and restore taxpayer trust through targeted initiatives.

First, I will upgrade the Treasurer’s office from its outdated 1970s-era ACH system to 21st-century technology. This will improve efficiency, security, and speed while making all state financial transactions more accessible.

I will enhance the Ohio Checkbook program to make it even simpler and more user-friendly, so every Ohioan can easily see exactly where their tax dollars are spent — bringing real transparency and accountability back to government.

To support public safety, I will launch a Link Deposit program that prioritizes state deposits with financial institutions committed to backing first responders. In our largest cities, where respect for police and law enforcement has eroded, this program will strengthen partnerships that keep our communities safe. If cities refuse to support the police and public safety, then it is time for the state to step up.

These practical steps — modernization, transparency, and support for those who protect us — will ensure Ohio’s finances work efficiently and earn the trust of every taxpayer.

What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: As Ohio treasurer, my decisions on investments, including Israel bonds, will be guided solely by what is best for Ohio taxpayers — prioritizing safety, liquidity, and return.

I am troubled that too many entities are divesting from Israel bonds for purely political reasons. These bonds have a strong track record of low risk, reliable repayments, and competitive returns that benefit Ohio’s portfolio.

Without access to the current detailed portfolio data, I cannot commit to specific adjustments today. However, any changes would be based strictly on financial merit, not politics.

I have long stood as an ally to the Jewish community. The recent dramatic rise in outright hatred toward Israel and Jewish people is sickening and must be rejected. Ohio should continue to make prudent investments that deliver strong value while upholding fiscal responsibility.

What role should AI play in the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio’s next treasurer, I believe AI should serve as a powerful efficiency tool — not a replacement for human oversight or taxpayer accountability. In the treasurer’s office, AI can analyze investment portfolios in real time to maximize returns on state funds, detect fraud in unclaimed property claims, streamline cash-flow forecasting, and automate routine back-office tasks. These applications will cut administrative costs, reduce waste, and deliver better results for Ohio taxpayers without growing government.

Every AI use must include strict human review, ironclad data security, and full transparency so citizens can see exactly how their money is being managed. We embrace innovation to strengthen fiscal responsibility — never to expand bureaucracy. Responsible AI will help us protect and grow Ohio’s financial resources while keeping decision-making firmly in accountable hands.

State Sen. Kristina Roegner

Age: 57

Campaign website: kristinaroegner.com

Background: I’ve built my professional career on financial oversight. After earning a Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a MBA in finance from the Wharton School of Business, I worked for Westinghouse and subsequently McKinsey & Co, where financial discipline and results were paramount. Starting my service in elected office on Hudson City Council, I went on to serve eight years in the Ohio House and am currently completing my eighth year in the Ohio Senate. As the chair of the General Government Committee, I am steadfast and laser-focused on protecting taxpayers and ensuring responsible, conservative decision making.

Why are you the best candidate?: The treasurer is a role where background, expertise, and integrity matter. Having earned my MBA in finance combined with experience in management consulting, I am by far the most prepared candidate for this role. I served with integrity during my 15 years in the legislature, and earned a reputation for being above reproach. I am grateful to have the endorsement of every single member of leadership in the Ohio House and Ohio Senate as well as a supermajority of my Republican colleagues in both chambers. Notice: these leaders from across Ohio – who have worked alongside both me and my opponent – they know us both and endorse my candidacy.

I have been consistently loyal to our Republican principled conservative ideals. I have a reputation for working hard and getting things done. My legislative accomplishments can attest to that. I was always faithful and never censured; never associated with any corruption scandals.

I’m the best choice to be Ohio’s next treasurer because I bring the right mix of real-world experience, proven leadership and financial stewardship. I’m respected by my colleagues in Columbus and voters across Ohio. I am guided by faith and driven to serve.

What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As treasurer, I will strengthen oversight and internal controls to ensure every dollar is tracked, protected, and used as intended. With cyber-attacks on the rise, I will prioritize best-in-class cybersecurity defenses for the treasurer’s office.

I will also proactively reunite Ohioans with their unclaimed funds by moving administration from the passive Department of Commerce to the Treasurer’s office. Legislation to achieve this (HB480) is already moving forward. Once in place, I will streamline the claims process and proactively match citizens with their money.

Ohioans deserve full transparency with their tax dollars. I proudly supported HB175 in 2013, which created www.ohiocheckbook.com. I will expand this to include municipalities and schools by supporting pending legislation (HB413) and implementing it as treasurer.

As chief investment officer, I will maximize conservative, safe returns to generate additional revenue to help minimize tax burdens on Ohioans.

What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: The Israel bonds currently held by the Ohio Treasurer’s office are all investment grade, as is required. It is my understanding that they are one of the best returning investments in the portfolio and they have never defaulted on a payment. From a risk-return perspective these assets have performed very well. Every Ohio State Treasurer over the last 30 years – both Republican and Democrat – have invested in Israel bonds. Interestingly, these Israel bonds only mature to the “purchaser of record,” meaning Ohio must hold them to maturity. Going forward, I would consider differing maturities for Israel bonds; shorter maturities would provide Ohio more flexibility with liquidity.

What role should AI play in the treasurer’s office?: AI should be a tool to strengthen sound financial stewardship, but should not replace responsible human supervision of taxpayer dollars. In the treasurer’s office, AI can enhance fraud detection, improve reporting in Ohiocheckbook.com, and enhance cybersecurity by quickly spotting threats. Used responsibly, it can analyze investment data to support better decision-making within conservative guidelines. That being said, any use of AI must prioritize data security, transparency, and accountability, ensuring taxpayer information is protected and decisions remain in the hands of humans.

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