Buckle up, college football fans, because this weekend’s matchup between Ohio State and Illinois is shaping up to be a game you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Buckeyes are riding high after a dominating 42-3 victory over Minnesota—a game where their defense was nothing short of stellar—Illinois is quietly plotting an upset that could shake up the College Football Playoff picture. And this is the part most people miss: the Illini are no pushovers. They’re a talented squad, arguably more formidable than Washington, the only other team Ohio State has faced on the road so far. So, can the Buckeyes prove they’re the real deal by taking down a ranked opponent away from home? Or will Illinois pull off the shocker and salvage their playoff hopes after that embarrassing loss to Indiana? Let’s dive into how you can watch this high-stakes showdown.
How to Catch the Action
This game is part of the Big Noon Kickoff slate, so the simplest way to tune in is by flipping to FOX at noon ET. It’s only the second Big Noon game for the Buckeyes this season, so you won’t want to miss it. If you’re not near a TV, no worries—you can stream it live on foxsports.com, the FOX Sports app, or FOX One. For cord-cutters, Fubo TV (https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191261?irad=399332&irmp=374356) has you covered. With so many options, Ohio State fans and neutral viewers alike have no excuse to skip this one. Unlike the blowout against Minnesota, this game promises to be a tighter contest, especially with Illinois fighting for their playoff lives.
The Bigger Picture
Ohio State’s dominance is undeniable, but beating a ranked team on the road is a different beast. Here’s the bold question: Is this their toughest remaining test before facing TTUN, now that Penn State has fallen out of the playoff conversation? The Buckeyes’ passing game, led by Julian Sayin, has been opening up, but Illinois’ defense could be their stiffest challenge yet. Meanwhile, the Illini are hungry to prove they belong in the national conversation. This game isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about playoff implications, team legacies, and answering the question: Who’s truly elite? So, what do you think? Can Ohio State keep their perfect season intact, or will Illinois pull off the upset? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just getting started!
