COLUMBUS — No. 9 Ohio State clinched a berth in the 2017 Big Ten Football Championship Game against Wisconsin Dec. 2 (8:00 p.m./FOX) with a 52-14 victory over Illinois on Saturday, combined with the Badgers’ defeat of Michigan.
The Buckeyes (9-2, 7-1) won at at least a share of their sixth consecutive Big Ten East Division title. Michigan State and Penn State remain in the race for a share title, but Ohio State would advance to the championship game by virtue of winning the potential tiebreakers since the Buckeyes defeated both in head-to-head competition.
OSU scored on its first six possessions in the rout of the Illini.
J.T. Barrett threw the 100th touchdown pass of his career and the Buckeye defense held the Illini to just 105 yards.
Mike Weber ran for 108 yards and two touchdowns for Ohio State.