Illinois suffers seventh straight loss, falls to 2-7

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Troy Smith threw three touchdown passes to lead No. 12 Ohio State to a 40-2 victory over Illinois on Saturday.

The Buckeyes (7-2, 5-1) kept pace with first-place Penn State in the Big Ten.

Illinois (2-7, 0-6) lost its seventh game in a row.

"It's tough," Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "I'm not lying to you."

OSU piled up 526 yards while holding the Illini to 160.

Illinois quarterback Tim Brasic finished 18-of-24 for 92 yards without an interception. He completed 10 of his first 11 attempts, but for only 16 yards. Brasic was sacked five times.