Illinois Defeats No. 21 Ohio State for the Fifth Time in a Row, 18-16

Jeff Arneson returned a fumble 96 yards for a touchdown, the longest fumble recovery in Big Ten Conference history, as Illinois beat No. 21 Ohio State, 18-16, Saturday.

The Buckeyes’ Tim Williams, who kicked three field goals, missed a 44-yarder with 53 seconds left as Ohio State, 3-2 overall and 0-2 in the Big Ten, lost for the fifth year in a row to Illinois.

Despite a high snap from center that almost sailed over the head of holder John Wright, Chris Richardson kicked a 21-yard field goal with 4:56 remaining to end a two-game losing streak for Illinois (3-2, 1-1).

After taking the opening kickoff, Ohio State drove to a first down at the Illinois four. On third and goal from the two, freshman tailback Eddie George was hit by Arneson and the ball popped loose. The Illini’s Derrick Rucker tried to pick up the fumble, but instead flipped it into the air. Arneson caught it at the four and scored untouched.