Dave Portnoy is back in Champaign for week 7 with his Barstool College Football Show. But aside from being part of the panel, it’s his shared animosity towards Ryan Day’s Buckeyes that has got him all riled up for the defending champions’ clash against Bret Bielema’s Illinois. Portnoy, a die-hard Michigan fan, alum, and billionaire booster, was booed by the Illinois fans during the pre-game segment. But the Barstool founder had a sly reply to that.

“Let me tell you something right now, for all you people out here, start booing, I have the key to this game,” started Portnoy, as he received a ‘warm’ welcome from the Illini fans. “Nobody’s more aligned with the crowd today than I am,” who expressed his popularly known animosity towards OSU, which also banned him from the stadium, during their season opener. He walks towards the front and slams the OSU helmet to the ground, as the cheers of the Illinois crowd fill the air.

He continued. “I’m hoping Illinois, and I think they do have a chance to beat this team, because Ohio State, listen, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Ohio State in the last 100 years, they’re cowards. So if you get them in a tough game, listen, they’re a big old bully. You punch him in the mouth.”

Meanwhile, in the comments sections, netizens were having a good time, taking a job at Michigan fan-turned Illini fan today. “Let’s gooo! I’d say after 2 trips to Champaign this year there should be some Barstool Illini gear on deck Dave!.” “Dave, you haven’t beat anyone 🤣.”

Ryan Day heads to the road game armed with explosive duo Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith; A 5-0 streak into the season, and now it’s time to go against the Illini Nation. Although Portnoy is all about Bielema’s squad today, can Illinois beat them today? Coming off a 5-1 record, with a heartbreaking defeat against Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers, 10-63. The closest they came to a challenging game. But the defending champions are altogether a different beast.

Dave Portnoy continued, “Ryan, Day, kneels down his leg. I’ve seen it a million times. I’m telling you, you guys have a chance today,” concluded Portnoy. In 2007, Illinois defeated OSU at Columbus, 28-21. But they haven’t been able to beat them at home since 1991. And now, both teams face each other for the first time since 2017, when OSU won 52-14.

Sayin crushed Washington on his first road trip, breaking the Huskies’ home streak for 22 games. Can he emerge victorious on his second road trip?

Can Illinois beat Ohio State?

Bret Bielema’s star quarterback, Luke Altmyer, is coming off a strong resume. Over the last six games, he has tallied 12 touchdowns while completing 73.6% of his throws without interceptions. Add to that, wide receiver Hank Beatty’s explosiveness. who has caught a team-high 32 receptions. The QB-WR duo has the best touchdown-to-interception ratio in the sport. With, Beatty, being the only player who boasts a passing, rushing, receiving, and punt return touchdown.

But if you take a look at the past matchups, presently, OSU has a winning streak of nine games against Illinois. And Columbus’s defense under Matt Matricia is nothing short of impressive. His defensive unit has barely allowed two interceptions this season. Meanwhile, Bielema’s roster has struggled to run the ball, limited to just 5.8 yards per play.

David Pollack is not sold on the Illini winning the game. “Like, I don’t see a world where Illinois can win this football game. I really don’t, man,” Pollack said on his podcast. “It’s a bad matchup — if you don’t have balance on offense, you’re going to get bounced. And you’re gonna get bounced quickly.” Presently, OSU is a 14.5-point favorite against the Illini.