"CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Ohio State had 14 players from its national championship team selected in the NFL draft, which tied the team record and raised legitimate questions about who would fill the holes. Rebuilding years don't happen at Ohio State, but the Buckeyes projected as a team that might evolve over time. Halfway through the regular season, the Buckeyes' growth spurt has already come, and the team looks fully capable of defending its title."
"Top-ranked Ohio State improved to 6-0 Saturday with a mostly stress-free 34-16 win at No. 17 Illinois, bolstered by a largely new-look defense that continues to flex despite allowing a season-high points total. "The guys who we didn't know about going into the season, they've now proven that they belong," coach Ryan Day said. "They're competitive, they're edgy, they like these types of environments, and they want to be great, they expect to be great, expect to win all the time.""
Ohio State entered the season after 14 players from its national championship roster were selected in the NFL draft, tying the program record and prompting questions about replacements. The Buckeyes have accelerated development and sit at 6-0 following a 34-16 road victory at No. 17 Illinois. A largely new-look defense generated three takeaways by Kayden McDonald and disruptive plays from Jermaine Mathews Jr., Arvel Reese and Kenyatta Jackson Jr., while established players Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles and Jeremiah Smith continued to contribute. Emerging offensive contributors Julian Sayin and Bo Jackson also provided scoring support.
Read at ESPN.com
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