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Photo Essay: A Look Back at Ohio State-Illinois, Buckeye Nation’s Traveling Circus

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5 months ago

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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. 

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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. 

(Photo by Ed McGregor/FOX Sports)

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.

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(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)

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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.

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(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)

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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.

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(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) ( )

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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. 

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(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)

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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. 

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(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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Ryan Day explains Arthur Smith’s hiring as Ohio State coordinator

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7 hours ago

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March 3, 2026

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Ryan Day explains Arthur Smith’s hiring as Ohio State coordinator


Ryan Day explained the hiring process that led to former Falcons head coach and NFL assistant Arthur Smith becoming the offensive coordinator of Ohio State football.

Appearing as a guest on “The Jim Rome Show” March 3, Day emphasized the importance of hiring a someone with an extensive body of work to coach the Buckeyes’ offense.

More on Arthur Smith: 3 thoughts on Ohio State hiring Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator

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“When Brian [Hartline] moved on to South Florida [we] wanted to go bring in somebody with great experience,” Day said.

Day said the Buckeyes first looked at coaches with collegiate coordinator experience, then the NFL. Smith’s three-year tenure as a head coach in the NFL, along with his extensive time with the Tennessee Titans as an assistant and offensive coordinator, made him stand out as a candidate, Day said.

“…[I] had a chance myself to sit down and talk with him. It was excellent,” Day said. “He’s a great communicator, very intelligent, and really loves the game of college football. 
When you hear a story about growing up and how much time he spent around college football, you could just see it in his eyes.”

Day added that the new role has been almost “refreshing” to Smith when given the chance to work with college players and young talent.

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Smith has spent the majority of his coaching career in the NFL. He served a year as a graduate assistant at North Carolina, his alma mater, and brief stint with Ole Miss as an administrative assistant.

Smith was then hired by his hometown Titans in 2011 and spent the the rest of the decade with them, rising from quality control coach to assistant offensive line coach to tight ends coach. Promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019, he led Mike Vrabel’s Titans to proficient offensive seasons with running back Derrick Henry.

Day said hiring Smith will allow him to take a back seat on the offense.

“It was great to have Matt [Patricia] on defense, and Brian [Hartline] did a great job as well, but I think this year will allow me to even step back even more and try to do as much as I can from the head coaching seat,” Day said.

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After Hartline accepted the South Florida head coaching job, Day stepped in to call plays during the Cotton Bowl against Miami. Ohio State lost 24-14.

Smith joins Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as an Ohio State coordinator hire with previous NFL head coaching experience. Smith went 21-30 as the head coach of the Falcons for three years.



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Woman dies after saving grandchild playing in driveway from out-of-control car, Ohio officials say

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19 hours ago

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March 3, 2026

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Woman dies after saving grandchild playing in driveway from out-of-control car, Ohio officials say



/ CBS Pittsburgh

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A woman in Pickaway County, Ohio, died after moving a child out of the way of an out-of-control car, authorities said.

The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook that 52-year-old Laura J. Hammond of Mt. Sterling was fatally struck by the vehicle on Feb. 27 on Walnut Creek Pike in Circleville.

The sheriff’s office said officials were called to the area for a report of a crash around 10 a.m. At the scene, investigators learned that the driver of a Nissan Sentra was headed southbound on Walnut Creek Pike when they went off the west side of the road. The car then careened through two yards before hitting a Chevrolet Equinox parked in the driveway of a home, officials said. 

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The Nissan, at the same time that it smashed into the Chevrolet, hit Hammond, pinning her between the two vehicles. Before being hit, the sheriff’s office said Hammond moved a child out of the way, which “more than likely saved his life.” CBS affiliate WBNS reported that the young child Hammond saved was her grandson.

“Laura actually picked up the child and tossed him. At the end of the day, it saved his life,” Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office Capt. John Strawser told the news outlet. “And when Laura tossed him, very unfortunately, she took the brunt of the vehicle.”

Hammond was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The young child was taken to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. 

The driver of the vehicle was also taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating the crash. The sheriff’s office did not release any additional information about the crash. 

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Auto parts maker to lay off 1,200 in Ohio amid fraud charges. Here’s where

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1 day ago

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March 2, 2026

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Auto parts maker to lay off 1,200 in Ohio amid fraud charges. Here’s where


First Brands closing corporate office in Cleveland, three other Ohio facilities amid bankruptcy. Its CEO is facing federal fraud charges

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  • Auto parts supplier First Brands is closing four Ohio facilities, including its Cleveland corporate office.
  • The closures will result in the permanent layoff of more than 1,200 workers by the end of April.
  • The company’s founder and former CEO and his brother are facing federal charges in an alleged multi-billion dollar fraud scheme.
  • First Brands, which supplies products like Fram oil filters, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2025.

A major auto parts supplier is laying off more than a thousand workers and closing four facilities around Ohio, including its corporate offices in Cleveland.

First Brands, whose founder and former CEO is facing charges in multi-billion dollar fraud scheme, notified the state in late February of its intent to permanently close the facilities by April 30. The layoffs created by these closures are also permanent, according to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notices filed with Ohio Job and Family Services.

The company — which supplies Fram oil filters and Anco wiper blades, among others — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2025. In January, First Brands had started winding down some of its operations in North America while seeking a buyer, according to Reuters. However, several potential buyers “have suddenly and unexpectedly withdrawn or narrowed their bids” according to one of the recent WARN notices.

Which facilities are closing? And how many jobs are being lost? Here’s what to know.

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First Brands closing four Ohio locations, cutting more than 1,200 jobs

According to WARN notices, First Brands is closing the following facilities:

  • Corporate Office, 127 Public Square, Suite 5300, Cleveland. In the first round of layoffs here, 146 workers were cut on Feb. 23, according to a WARN notice sent that date. A second notice dated Feb. 27 for this address advises that the facility will close on April 30, and the remaining 110 workers will be laid off.
  • FRAM facility, 851 Jackson St., Greenville. According to a WARN notice sent Feb. 27, this facility will close April 30 and 302 jobs will be lost.
  • TMD facility, 1441 N. Maule Road, Tiffin. All 407 employees will be terminated when this facility is permanently closed on April 30, according to a Feb. 27 WARN notice.
  • TMD facility, 515 E. Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green. First Brands will also close this facility on April 30, laying off 302 workers, according to another Feb. 27 WARN notice.

In total, First Brands is laying off 1,267 workers in these four closures.

Papa Johns closing stores: Papa Johns to close 300 stores across US by 2027. Are any in Ohio?

Indictment alleges Cleveland auto supplier CEO, VP defrauded lenders. Both plead not guilty

First Brands Group founder and former CEO Patrick James and his brother, Edward, a senior vice president, are accused of defrauding lenders out of billions of dollars before the auto parts supplier fell into bankruptcy according to an indictment made public Jan. 29 in Manhattan federal court.

The nine-count indictment includes charges of running a continuing financial crimes enterprise, bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. Both pleaded not guilty on Feb. 4, Reuters reports. A trial is set in July. Both could face decades in prison if convicted.

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Prosecutors said the defendants “perpetrated ​a series of fraudulent schemes” against First Brands’ lenders and financing partners, Reuters reported, including allegedly inflating invoices, double- and triple-pledging loan collateral, falsifying financial statements and concealing substantial liabilities.

“It is very much Mr. James’ intent to go into court and proclaim his innocence,” said Scott Hartman, a lawyer for Patrick James, according to Reuters.

Patrick James and Edward James are Malaysian-born U.S. citizens.

Seth DuCharme, a lawyer for Edward James, told Reuters that his client is not going to “run off to Southeast Asia where he allegedly has all this money.”

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What is First Brands Group? Company filed for bankruptcy in September

First Brands, founded in 2013, was one of the world’s largest suppliers of auto parts such as brakes, filters and ‍lighting systems, according to Reuters. It had $5 billion in sales last year.

Prosecutors say First Brands borrowed billions to finance its growth. Those loans were secured by inventory and physical assets like plants and equipment. Reuters reports that this left First Brands vulnerable to cash flow issues and dependent on its access to the capital from those loans.

The company filed for bankruptcy in September 2025. Patrick James stepped down as CEO that October, according to Crain’s Detroit Business.



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