No. 8 Ohio State routs Illinois, looks ahead to Michigan

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- No. 8 Ohio State can look ahead to Michigan and trying to find the narrow path back into the playoff hunt. Coach Urban Meyer this week had refused to talk about the future beyond Saturday's game against Illinois, which ended in a 52-14 blowout by the Buckeyes in sheets of driving rain at Ohio Stadium. The win, coupled with Wisconsin's victory over Michigan, made Ohio State (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 9) the Big Ten East champion. If the Buckeyes can beat No. 19 Michigan in the annual rivalry game, and then upset No. 5 Wisconsin, scenarios exist that could see them chosen for the final four, even with two losses. Unlikely but not impossible. Illinois presented few problems Saturday. The Buckeyes scored on their first six possessions -- including J.T. Barrett 's 100th career touchdown pass -- on the way to handing the Illini their ninth straight loss.