Illinois opens Big Ten play with a gritty, foul-filled road win at Ohio State, and the headline is simple: the freshmen completely stole the show. Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic put together one of the most explosive rookie performances we’ve seen in years, combining for 55 points and carrying Illinois through a night where the veterans struggled. Sunny and JR break down how Brad Underwood’s second-half adjustment on Bruce Thornton flipped the game, why the officiating turned the matchup into pure chaos, and how Illinois still found enough poise to close it out in Columbus. We also look at Boswell’s quiet night, Tommy’s rare off-game, Big Z’s timely threes, and the ongoing inbounds-pass headache that nearly cost Illinois again. Plus, what this win means for the Illini’s Big Ten ceiling moving forward — and why this team feels more dangerous than ever.--------------------------Join the Talk Illini Discord! https://discord.gg/DWmd6J42Reach out to [email protected] for business inquiries!--------------------------"Talk Illini" is your go-to source for all things Illinois Fighting Illini, hosted by Sunny Verma & Jonathan Rhoades in partnership with Orange and Blue News and On3. Every week, dive into insightful analysis, exclusive interviews, and the latest recruiting news on Illini football, basketball, and beyond. Join us for hour-long episodes packed with expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with coaches, athletes, and insiders. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Illinois athletics, "Talk Illini" will keep you informed, entertained, and connected to the orange and blue. Subscribe now and make Talk Illini your #1 spot for Illini sports content!🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4697890857484288