(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
Ohio
Photo Essay: A Look Back at Ohio State-Illinois, Buckeye Nation’s Traveling Circus
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Buckeye Nation is known to travel, so it was no surprise that on Saturday in Champaign, “O-H” and “I-O” were heard almost as much as “I-L-L” and “I-N-I.” The national champions were in town for the first time since Nov. 14, 2015. FOX Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” was in town for the second time in three weeks.
That meant Brutus Buckeye and Bret Bielema were up early, preparing for a matchup between 5-0 Ohio State, looking to become the first Big Ten team to win back-to-back national titles since before World War II, and 5-1 Illinois, looking to burnish its College Football Playoff chances.
In the end, the Buckeyes won their 10th straight game over the Fighting Illini, though Illinois did become the first team this season to score double-digit points against OSU’s vaunted defense. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith led the way to a 34-16 Buckeyes victory.
But that was just part of the story. On and off the field, the cast of characters made it a day to remember. Let’s take a look back in photos.
Saturday morning starts early at the Champaign Holiday Inn for Ohio State alum Jay McKay and his wife, Chris, who attend every Buckeyes game, home and away. Sitting at the other end of the counter, Illini fans Phil Butler and Tammie McCormick are hoping for “close, competitive game” against the nation’s No. 1 team.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
As the sun rises less than a mile away, the scarlet and gray flags are already flying in the Memorial Stadium parking lots. Tailgating knows no time limits.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
Pair a little girl with a Big Wheel and dad is just trying to keep up. Their Fighting Illini will know the feeling a little later.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
As Illinois head coach Bret Bielemi gets off the team bus, his daughters Briella and Brexli are waiting with hugs for dad.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
The Buckeyes get their first standing ovation of the day as they arrive at Memorial Stadium.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
In the crowd to cheer the team’s arrival is Jeff Griffith, who retired in August as an IT manager for Kroger just in time to follow the Buckeyes throughout the 2025 season.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
One of the first off the bus is former Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia, whose Buckeyes defense is being called one of the best in Big Ten history. Ohio State entered Saturday allowing just 5 points per game and having held two straight opponents without a touchdown.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
In his pregame walk-and-talk with FOX Sports game analyst Joel Klatt, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day explains that confidence is the key for OSU’s defense as well as first-year quarterback Julian Sayin. “His confidence is building every day,” Day says. “I think he has a better command of the offense, and the guys around him believe in him.”
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
As a two-touchdown underdog, the Illini need some juice. So they bring in former quarterback Juice Williams, who in 2007 threw four touchdown passes to lead Illinois to an epic 28–21 upset over No. 1 Ohio State. Williams joins the “Big Noon Kickoff” crew to crank the air raid siren, which has become an Illini tradition.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
All geared up for game time, Buckeyes superfan Jon Peters, better known as the “Big Nut,” greets fellow OSU faithful while waiting for the gates to open.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
Buckeyes long snapper John Ferlmann prepares to take the field at Memorial Stadium, where his grandfather, Miles Stout, once played for Illinois. In 1956, when Stout was the starting QB, Illinois lost to No. 5 Ohio State 26-6 on this same field. On the opening kickoff, Illini linebacker Ray Nitschke lost his four front teeth when he took an Ohio State helmet to the mouth. Such is the origin of Nitschke’s legendary toothless grin.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
FOX Sports college football analyst RJ Young calls Julian Sayin “the quarterback Arch Manning was expected to be.” Sayin’s Heisman odds jump after he completes 19-of-27 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns against Illinois.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
OSU star Jeremiah Smith is held to a season-low 42 yards receiving, but he does score a touchdown for the fifth straight game.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
On the OSU sideline, Brutus wants to make sure he captures all the action, so he takes matters into his own hands. He just might have an eye for this.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports) ( )
No matter where they are or who they’re playing, Buckeye Nation’s messaging remains remarkably consistent.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
Running back Bo Jackson finds the end zone on a 17-yard pass from Julian Sayin late in the first half, extending OSU’s lead to 20-0.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
While leaving the field at halftime, Bret Bielema stops to chat with the officials. The Illinois coach is not happy with the lack of pass interference calls against OSU defensive backs, whom he would describe as “pretty handsy” after the game.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
Here’s photographic evidence that Ohio State does occasionally give up a touchdown. Illinois running back Aidan Laughery caps a 12-play, 75-yard drive to open the second half with a one-yard TD run, cutting OSU’s lead to 20-10. It’s the first rushing touchdown surrendered by the Ohio State defense all season.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
It’s Ryan Day’s turn to beef with the refs. He’s either objecting to Illinois slow-playing its substitutions or maybe he’s just not happy that his defense allowed a touchdown.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
The Illini would commit three costly turnovers, including QB Luke Altmyer’s first interception of the season and this fumble late in the third quarter on a strip sack by cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. All three Illinois turnovers would lead to Ohio State touchdowns.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
With the Big Nut looking on from the front row of a packed Ohio State section, the biggest Buckeye nut mugs for the FOX camera. The camera loves Brutus; Brutus loves the camera.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
Jeremiah Smith talks with FOX’s Jenny Taft postgame while holding the Illibuck trophy, a wooden turtle whose shell is engraved with the scores of Illinois-Ohio State games. The turtle tradition dates back more than a century.
(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)
Before getting on the team bus, OSU long snapper John Ferlmann (center) visits with family, including his parents, Sally and Steve. Three generations turned out to watch John play on the same field as his late grandfather. “Leading up to the game, I forced myself to focus on the task at hand,” he said. “Afterwards, I realized just how thrilling it was to be there. I got to share this moment with my family and reminisce about what an impact my grandfather had upon me and our family. I did my best to honor him by playing the best that I could. I hope I made him proud.”
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Aaron Churchill is the Ohio research director for the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an education policy think tank based in Columbus.
In November, the Ohio Senate unanimously passed math reforms that would help a generation of struggling students. House lawmakers should send that excellent package known as Senate Bill 19 to the governor’s desk post haste.
Math difficulties start early for many Ohio students. Last year, 45,000 third graders, or 36% statewide, fell short of proficiency on the state math exam. These youngsters had difficulty solving basic arithmetic and measurement problems. Without such skills, big trouble lies ahead for them.
Meanwhile, even larger percentages of high schoolers fare poorly in this subject. On last year’s algebra I state exam, 53,000 students – 41% of test takers – did not achieve proficiency, while a staggering 72,000 students (57%) fell short in geometry.
These failure rates are unacceptable. Students should not be left to struggle with the routine math needed to manage their personal finances, bake a cake or do a home repair. Nor should they lack the critical thinking, data interpretation and problem solving skills that are demanded by today’s employers and essential to career success.
Ohio must help more students gain fluency in math. Senate Bill 19 does this in the following ways.
First, it supports students with math deficiencies. The bill would require schools to provide math interventions to students scoring at the lowest achievement level (known as “limited”) on state tests. Importantly, schools must engage a child’s parents to create an individual improvement plan that outlines the interventions and how progress will be monitored.
Second, the bill promotes strong math curricula. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce would be tasked with reviewing math materials and establishing a high-quality list. With dozens of programs and textbooks on the market – some far better than others – this vetting process would aid school districts in finding the best curriculum for their students.
Third, it asks colleges of education to better prepare elementary teachers. Research from the National Council on Teacher Quality shows that teacher training programs often lack serious math content, especially in the elementary grades, leaving teachers ill-prepared for effective instruction. To help address the problem, the bill mandates that prospective educators pass the math section of the state licensure test to teach the subject, something that is not presently required.
Fourth, it gives high-achieving math students a boost. Traditional course placement practices rely on teacher and parent referrals, which tend to overlook economically disadvantaged students who excel in math. Yet, as a recent Fordham Institute study found, access to advanced coursework is critical to high-achieving, low-income students’ college prospects. Through automatic enrollment provisions, Senate Bill 19 would ensure that all high achievers are placed in challenging math courses, including algebra I in eighth grade.
Some may view Senate Bill 19 as burdensome on schools. But the need for significant improvement in math is urgent and the reforms are commonsense. Students struggling in math ought to get help. Schools should use the best-available textbooks and materials. Teachers should know math before they teach it. Schools must push high achievers to reach their full potential.
Math and reading are the academic pillars that support students’ long-term success as well as the state’s economic growth. Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio’s Science of Reading initiative is off to a strong start and promises stronger literacy statewide. It’s now time for policymakers to roll up their sleeves and help students get better at math. Their futures – and the state’s – are at stake.
Aaron Churchill is the Ohio research director for the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an education policy think tank based in Columbus.
Amanda-Clearcreek honors Ohio Air National Guard member Capt. Seth Koval
Amanda-Clearcreek honors Ohio Air National Guard member Capt. Seth Koval
The remains of three Ohio airmen who were killed in the crash of their KC-135 refueling plane in Iraq earlier this month will be returned this weekend, according to a family member of one of the deceased.
The airmen, identified as Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, of Wilmington, and Capt. Seth Koval, 38, of Stoutsville, will be brought back March 29 to Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base near Columbus, said Charles Simmons, Tyler’s father.
“Tyler will have a hero’s welcome, because he is a hero,” said Charles.
The Columbus Division of Police will be involved in the funeral procession when the airmen’s remains are transferred from the airport to funeral homes, said Columbus police Sgt. James Fuqua. That will take place between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. March 29, said Fuqua.
The airmen’s remains first arrived back in the U.S. on March 18 with a dignified transfer taking place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Curtis, Angst, and Simmons were members of the 166th Air Refueling Squadron connected to the 121st Air Refueling Wing based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus.
The airmen, as well as three other servicemembers, died on March 12 when their KC-135 tanker crashed in western Iraq during a mission in support of Operation Epic Fury in Iran. The cause of the crash, which occurred in friendly airspace, has not been publicly identified. U.S. Central Command has said the incident did not involve hostile or friendly fire, and military experts have theorized the crash may have been the result of a collision with a second KC-135 that sustained heavy damage to its tail fin but landed safely at an airport in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com.
Reporter Shahid Meighan can be reached at smeighan@dispatch.com, at ShahidMeighan on X, and at shahidthereporter.dispatch.com on Bluesky.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Thousands of people are expected to head to downtown Columbus for the 23rd annual Home Improvement Show this weekend.
Organizers say visitors can find ideas for everything from small interior design projects to major renovations.
The event is being held at the Ohio Expo Center and includes seminars, exhibits and demonstrations from local and national companies.
The show begins at noon Friday and runs until 6 p.m.
It continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adult tickets cost $5 at the door.
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