Nov. 4, 2006

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Illinois gave No. 1 Ohio State its first scare of the season.

The Buckeyes built a 17-0 halftime lead against the Fighting Illini had to overcome a strong performance by the Orange and Blue defense to hold off the stubborn Illini, 17-10, Saturday.

The Buckeyes (10-0, 6-0, Big Ten) had won each of their first nine games by at least 17 points.

Rashard Mendenhall's 3-yard TD run with 1:40 to go brought Illinois within seven, and after Ohio State's Brian Robiskie's recovered an onside kick by the Illini, the Buckeyes were forced to punt.

Illinois (2-8, 1-5) got the ball at its own 2-yard line with four seconds left and 98 yards to go. The Illini completed a short pass and the receiver lateralled. But their was no miracle to be found as the Buckeyes quickly forced the play out of bounds.

Short TD runs by Chris Wells and Antonio Pittman gave the Buckeyes a halftime lead, but they couldn't add on in the final two quarters.

Illinois didn't play like a team that has lost five straight. They clamped down on the Buckeyes' running game and did a creditable job of containing Troy Smith. Smith completed 13-of-23 passes for 108 yards and had one intercepted; he rushed for 37 more on 11 carries.