The Ohio State Buckeyes improved to 3-1 on the season with a 42-19 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini in Week 4. The Buckeyes led 28-10 at halftime, but the second half left a bit to be desired. 

It was a historical day for wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, and there were other bright spots across the roster. There were also some negatives worth addressing. Here are the winners and losers from Ohio State’s Week 4 win.

Winners vs. Illinois

WR Jeremiah Smith

You have to start with Jeremiah Smith. He caught 12 passes for 217 yards and a whopping four touchdowns. Smith could very well break Chris Olave’s Ohio State touchdown record the next time out. It was a video-game-numbers type of performance for the star receiver who is clearly, and by far, the best player in the nation.

QB Julian Sayin

Sayin was pretty good in this one. He threw for 355 yards and four touchdowns, and an even bigger development came on the ground. Sayin took off seven times for 29 yards, had a rushing touchdown, and used his legs willingly against Illinois. That’s what Ohio State needs to see more of. It was a solid day for Sayin at the helm.

LB Riley Pettijohn

Pettijohn keeps looking like perhaps Ohio State’s best linebacker, and his ability to get after the quarterback continues to be a bright spot. He finished with a sack and three tackles, including two tackles for loss. Pettijohn was flying around and continues to show why he has to be on the field.

TE Nate Roberts

Roberts needed a good game, and he showed up for the Buckeyes. He finished with four catches for 36 yards, but the stat line doesn’t tell the whole story. Roberts moved the chains multiple times, and the tough catches stood out. He has great hands for a tight end.

S Jaylen McClain 

McClain had a really good day on the backend of the defense with multiple pass breakups by coming up and making the big hit. Ohio State badly needs the physicality that McClain can bring, and his four pass breakups were a big bright spot in this game. McClain led the way with eight tackles on Saturday for the Buckeyes. 

Losers vs. Illinois

EDGE Qua Russaw

Russaw continues to be a player worth questioning in terms of usage. He finished with two tackles, but his pass rush ability to get after the passer just hasn’t showed up at Ohio State. There have to be other options for the Buckeyes to go with on the edge.

Defensive line coach Larry Johnson

Ohio State’s pass rush is just not where it needs to be. The Buckeyes had two sacks against Illinois, but it should have been more. Ohio State has to create more pressure. Kenyatta Jackson needs more help, and Jackson himself needs to step up and be a higher-echelon pass rusher for the Buckeyes defense if they want to get where they want to go.

CB Devin Sanchez

The sophomore cornerback had two penalties called on him and gave up a late touchdown right after a penalty was called on him on fourth down. Sanchez did have a couple of pass breakups, but he clearly hurt the team multiple times. He just has to be better as a top cornerback. He did not look like one for the Buckeyes in Week 4.