So many clichés to throw around, like "another (number) one bites the dust," but they've all been run through the wringer by this time of day, and all of them point to the same thing: Ohio State is feeling the need for some antacid this morning.

Illinois isn't a terrible team — they were third in the conference coming into this game and had a very well respected running attack. Nobody expected this game to be any sort of blowout. What happened — a 28-21 win for the Illini — was still a surprise, though.

The game got kick-started early on, as Ohio State QB Todd Boeckman connected with his favorite target, receiver Ben Hartline, for 65 yards on OSU's first play from scrimmage, and Illinois tailback Dennis Dufrene busted out for an 80-yard run on the Illini's second play from scrimmage. Before all the fans were in their seats, the game was one minute old, and it was already 7-7.

The two teams then traded touchdowns (and a whole bunch of punts) to get the score to 14-14, before Illinois turned great field position into a 52-yard touchdown drive to close out the half. The Buckeyes drove inside the Illinois 10-yard line on their first possession of the second half, only to see Boeckman intercepted in the end zone.

Illinois took that turnover and drove right back down the field for an 80-yard touchdown drive, then Ohio State got the touchdown back, and the scoreboard read 28-21 Illinois going into the fourth quarter. Illinois didnt score on their drive that began the fourth quarter, but they did keep the ball for almost five and a half minutes. The turning point came soon after.

Ohio State got the ball back at their own 18 and netted a 15-yard pass on second down, but then Boeckman underthrew a deep pass and wound up with his third interception of the game. Illinois took over at their own 26 and soon faced a fourth and one with just under seven minutes remaining. Here's where it gets interesting:

Illinois coach Ron Zook initially sent out his punt team, and OSU coach Jim Tressel called a timeout, his last one. During that timeout, Zook's QB Juice Williams talked him into going for it. The offense went out, picked up the first down, and then proceeded to finish off the game with 11 consecutive running plays.

Tressel, ever the genius, said later, "I'd like that one back."

Illinois finished the game with 260 yards rushing against a team that was only allowing 65 per game. Boeckman, after that 65-yard completion on the opening play, went 12-of-22 for only 91 yards and three interceptions the rest of the game. I probably could have typed this paragraph first and you would have known the result, but that wouldn't have been as suspenseful.

Ohio State looks to salvage their season next weekend on the road against Michigan, in what is still a game to decide the Big Ten champion. Illinois will head home to play Northwestern in an effort to lock up third place in the conference and a bid to the Capital One Bowl.