This Saturday at the 'shoe, members of the Bucket & Dipper, an OSU honorary society, will receive the Illibuck trophy at the end of the 3rd quarter. Unlike other trophies that are played amongst teams, you have to wait until the following year to receive the trophy. 

For those of you that might not know the whole story, the Illibuck, is a trophy (made of wood) that reflects a snapping turtle. The turtle was actually "live" when the tradition began in 1925 but, according to legend, the turtle died in an Illinois fraternity tub. So in 1927, a carving of a turtle was made and the scores of the game were placed on the back of the turtle.

To date, there have been 9 different carvings of a wooden turtle made because OSU and Illinois have played many games against one another. Until the interruption in 2003, OSU had the longest consecutive streak of games played against the Illini. Now, Michigan has replaced the Illini as the team that has played OSU the most times consecutively.

As for the game itself, I'm hopeful that our D-Line can make Juice Williams very uncomfortable and force a number of turnovers. If "Regis" Benn can come back from a high ankle sprain and play full speed, it could be an interesting situation. Illinois has won 7 of the past 10 games in Columbus and they would love nothing more than to make it 8 out of 11 and be a game up on OSU to start conference play.

Boom Herron has got to start hitting the holes better than in the first 3 weeks. Brandon Saine has been able to read the holes better and use his speed to gain yardage when needed. Jordan Hall is another back capable of gaining big yards in a limited role.


Prediction: OSU 27  Illinois 10

GO BUCKS!!!

Luckybuck