Meyer: Buckeyes won’t be looking past Illinois

Ohio State hosts woeful Illinois on Nov. 18. Coach Urban Meyer says the Buckeyes aren’t focused on the playoff rankings. “There will be zero conversation around here,” he said.

COLUMBUS» Ohio State coach Urban Meyer doesn’t want his team to overlook Illinois, the Big Ten basement dweller visiting Ohio Stadium on Saturday. Meyer prohibited talk among players of the upcoming Michigan game or the Big Ten championship game that may follow.

And he definitely doesn’t want to hear any discussion of scenarios — as unlikely as they might be — that would have the Buckeyes sneaking back into the College Football Playoff hunt.

He declined to entertain questions from the media about any of the above.

Meyer thought the team patted itself on the back a little too long after beating Penn State on Oct. 28. The next week, Ohio State was inexplicably blown out by unranked Iowa.

“There will be zero conversation around here,” he said. “Especially when you guys talk to the players, there will be zero conversation about what happened before and what’s going to happen in the future. Zero.”

Here are some other things to watch for Saturday:

Motivation

The Buckeyes (8-2, 6-1, CFP No. 9) likely dropped out of the national championship race when they lost to Iowa. But last week’s 48-3 drubbing of Michigan State has led to suggestions that the Buckeyes could climb back into the final four at the end if they win out, even with two losses.

Ohio State can claim the Big Ten East title with a win over Illinois (2-8, 0-7 Big Ten), coupled with a Wisconsin victory over Michigan.

Hard season

Second-year Illinois coach Lovie Smith is looking for hope.

The Illini let their best chance of getting a conference win slip away last week. They pulled within three points of Indiana before falling 24-14.

“When you’re in a situation like this, you have to look for some small steps that you’re taking,” Smith said this week.