Teams the Buckeyes Can’t Afford To Overlook in 2015

Nov 1, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, Illinois was no match for the Buckeyes as they were crushed in Columbus 55-14. Getting the defending national champs in Champaign might do wonders for the Fighting Illini this season, as Ohio State has struggled in the unfriendly confines of Memorial Stadium more often than not.

Illinois doesn’t have the most loaded roster in the conference, but it features quarterback Wes Lunt, who could end up being the best signal-caller in the Big Ten when it’s all said and done in 2015.

Why the Fighting Illini have a chance:

A competitive Tim Beckman-led squad in 2014 could turn into a real player for a conference title this year. Illinois has a plethora of experience on both sides of the ball and fans should be in for a treat with the continued maturation and growth of Wes Lunt.

Without Wes Lunt, Illinois is simply a much different team.

If he can stay relatively healthy throughout most of his junior season, than the Fighting Illini have a realistic chance to make it out of the Big West.

Without Lunt, Illinois is simply a much different team.

Considering the historically favorable home field advantage, and a game-changing player in Lunt leading the charge, Illinois has a puncher’s chance of knocking off the Buckeyes in Week 11.

Next: Michigan State Spartans