Illini face another ranked opponent

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois' trip to meet 12th-ranked Ohio State this week will mark the Illini's third straight game against an opponent that is both ranked and a contender for the Big Ten title.

While that's another major challenge for a team on a six-game losing streak, Illinois coach Ron Zook looks at the game as another chance for his young players to improve.

"We're getting better, but we're getting better against pretty good competition," he said Tuesday.

The Illini have lost 10 straight Big Ten road games going back to the last game of the 2002 season, but they can take some encouragement from history. Illinois has won six of its last eight games in Columbus, Ohio going back to 1988, which was Zook's first season as an assistant to then-Ohio State coach John Cooper.

"When I was there, Illinois won five straight years," Zook said, referring to the Illini streak from 1988-92. "Illinois has done quite well with Ohio State."

Illinois' last trip to Ohio Stadium was a 34-22 victory on Nov. 17, 2001. The teams haven't met since the Buckeyes' national championship season in 2002, when Illinois lost 23-16 in overtime at Champaign's Memorial Stadium.

The Buckeyes enter Saturday's game on a three-game winning streak. They are 4-1 in conference play, only a half-game behind Illinois' last two opponents -- co-leaders Penn State and Wisconsin -- which are each 5-1.

"They've got arguably three of the better linebackers in the country. They rush the passer extremely well," said Zook. "Offensively, ... I'm very, very impressed with what they do. It seems every game they've got a little wrinkle that they're going to take advantage of what they can on your defense."

The Illini looked better last week against Wisconsin, rolling up 538 yards of offense in a 41-24 loss. But they still give up too many big plays on defense, Zook said.

"I've used every finger and every toe I've got to fill the dike," he said. "I think it's just a matter of athleticism. It's a matter of just continuing to improve and get better."

And battling the Big Ten's best the past two weeks has helped the Illini improve, said offensive tackle Ryan McDonald.

"The more we play, the more we're learning the game and it will help us out a lot in the future," he said. "Repetition is everything. Once you're in a situation and can adapt to it and make it a habit, you can compete better."