The Ohio State offense had a productive tune-up against Illinois – one that should help prepare the Buckeyes for their upcoming matchup against Michigan.

On Saturday, the Illini primarily played a 4-3 under, cover 1 defense, particularly on early downs.

Ohio State exploited that man coverage with the H position. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson repeatedly brought Hs Parris Campbell or KJ Hill in fly motion for a pop pass or flat route. The Illinois man defender would have try to follow the H across the formation, creating easy yards as that man defender would always be in a chase position.

Campbell was particularly explosive, providing a horizontal threat that Ohio State missed in his absence.

Use of this motion was effectively a way to run a bubble screen again man coverage. The Buckeyes read the backside defender to throw to the H on fly motion or pull man defenders out of the box and give on tight zone.

The Buckeyes likewise targeted linebackers in coverage, below throwing a counter flood route to Dobbins.