Quarterback Katin Houser leads a ball-control strategy designed to neutralize the Buckeyes' pass rush and keep their explosive offense anchored to the sideline through sustained drives.
Nobody needs to explain the challenge awaiting Illinois on Saturday.
The Fighting Illini enter their Big Ten opener as 27.5-point underdogs against No. 7 Ohio State, playing at Ohio Stadium. Illinois has not won in Columbus since 2007 and is trying to bring the Illibuck trophy back to Champaign.
That path starts with Katin Houser, Illinois’ offensive line and the ability to keep Ohio State’s offense standing on the sideline.
Ohio State’s defense has struggled at times to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and Illinois might be equipped to take advantage.
Houser has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country through three games. He enters Saturday ranked 8th nationally in ESPN’s QBR metric at 88.3 while completing 74.1% of his passes. His ability to quickly process the defense and get the football out of his hands has been one of his greatest strengths since arriving at Illinois.
Katin Houser could be the key against the Ohio State defense.That could matter tremendously against the Buckeyes.
Houser ranks among the nation’s fastest quarterbacks in terms of getting the football out of his hands, something that could neutralize some of Ohio State’s defensive talent.
Illinois does not need Houser to consistently hit 50-yard passes downfield. The better formula could be far less exciting. Complete the short passes. Stay ahead of the chains. Convert third downs.
Every minute Illinois possesses the football is a minute Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and the rest of Ohio State’s offense are watching from the sideline.
That also means avoiding the type of mistakes that can turn a difficult game into a blowout.
Illinois cannot give Ohio State short fields through turnovers or special teams mistakes. The Illini learned that lesson during last season’s 34-16 loss to the Buckeyes.
Against most opponents, Illinois might be able to overcome a turnover or a bad punt. Against Ohio State, those mistakes can become seven points in a hurry.
There will eventually be another challenge for Houser.
Ohio State is too talented defensively to allow Illinois to operate comfortably for four quarters. At some point, the Buckeyes are likely to disrupt a play, force Houser out of the pocket and make him create after the original design breaks down.
That remains one of the biggest unknowns with Illinois’ quarterback. Houser has not shown that ability during his first three games at Illinois.
Ohio State might force him to.
There is no complicated formula for pulling off an upset as a four-touchdown underdog. Illinois needs the game to become ugly and uncomfortable.
Possess the football. Let Houser operate quickly. Avoid turnovers.
Illinois is not expected to win Saturday. But there is a difference between being overmatched and allowing a game to spiral out of control.
The Illini have a path to avoiding the latter.
It is narrow, and almost everything will have to go right.
But it exists.
