Ohio State Buckeyes dominant again, handle Illinois Illini - ESPN

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.

»As much as I was on them about growing up and maturing, you are seeing a pretty mature group."

Ohio State still features stars from the championship team, like safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Sonny Styles and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who had five receptions and a touchdown Saturday. But Saturday's win was fueled largely by new contributors, including cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. and defensive lineman Kayden McDonald, who forced three takeaways that turned into 21 Buckeyes points. Other emerging defensive stars like linebacker Arvell Reese and end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. combined for two sacks and three tackles for loss.

McDonald, a reserve his first two seasons, ripped the ball away from Illinois' Ca'Lil Valentine late in the first half, setting up an Ohio State touchdown pass from two new contributors,