On Saturday the Buckeyes take on the Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. It’s an away game, but expect a lot of scarlet and gray in attendance. Here are some other things to expect from the matchup:
Team: Illinois Fighting Illini. Illini comes from the Native American word ilinwe, which means “tripped over the ball.” “Fighting” because it’s the only way referees will give them respect.
Wait, didn’t we already play Illinois? That was Northern Illinois. They were cooler because they were closer to Chicago but also colder.
Pronunciation: Do you pronounce Illinois with an ‘s’ at the end? Doesn’t matter. At the end of the game they’ll be called something that rhymes with “oozer.”
Mascot: A capital “I.”
Player to watch: Carson Baker. Illinois fans cannot stop talking about this third-string quarterback that has yet to see playing time. All eyes will be on Baker yet again as people wonder, “Will coach let him play this week or nah?”
Stadium: Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. The field is a giant sinkhole that sucks bulldozers and rowdy fans into its depths. Attend the game at your own risk.
Fun fact: Champagne is sparkling wine made of grapes from the Champagne region in France. Champagne made of grapes from Champaign, Illinois is potent, bottom-shelf wine and will pop your head off if you drink it too fast.
Fight song: Don’t go to the game without knowing the chorus of their favorite fight song, “Huskie Wow-Wow.” Any Illinois fan can assure you it’s about football.
Huskie-bow-wow, Illinois
Our cats are scared of you
Huskie-bow-wow, Illinois
Don’t pee in the stadium, bad dog! Bad dog!
When your masters take the field
Ev’ry dog on your hind legs
Go fetch the stick and you win the game,
Huskie-bow-wow, Illinois
Record: 5-4. Illinois almost entered a four-game losing streak last Saturday, but they beat Purdue. Coach Bill Cubit has no concerns that Illinois can reignite that losing streak again against the Buckeyes.
Team Cheer: They’re playing the undefeated No. 3 ranked team after losing four games this season. There is nothing to cheer about.
Who gets the Illibuck: Ohio State will bring home the wooden turtle trophy for another year. Final score: 22-17. Expect champagne and turtle soup in the locker room after the game.
Kick-off: Noon. Set an alarm.
-Travis Filicky, Staff Member