Quarterback Dave Wilson of Illinois established an NCAA single-game record of 621 yards passing on November 8, 1980, but Wilson's spree was in vain as Ohio State scored a 49-42 victory at Columbus, O. Wilson, who completed 43 of 69 passes and was intercepted three times, threw six touchdown passes against the Buckeyes, with five coming in the second half after the Illini fell behind, 35-7.

Lee Boeke. Illinois player who caught the first of Wilson's second-half scoring passes, a 38-yard completion. He had five catches overall for 110 yards. Joe Curtis. The Illini's leader in receptions with 10, which netted 96 yards. Greg Dentino. He scored Illinois' first and third touchdowns on 24- and eight-yard passes from Wilson and had six catches for 105 yards. Greg Foster. He caught two passes for a total of only three yards - but scored twice. Foster was on the receiving end of Wilson's fifth and sixth scoring passes, making two- and one-yard catches in the fourth quarter (the latter coming with 11 seconds left in the game).

Mike Martin. Collecting a game-high 147 yards in receptions, Martin hauled in a 13-yard pass in the third quarter for Wilson's fourth TD throw of the day. Martin's touchdown and Mike Bass' conversion kick cut Ohio State's lead to 35-28, but the Buckeyes prevailed on fourth-quarter scoring runs by Calvin Murray and Tim Spencer. Art Schlichter. Ohio State quarterback who also enjoyed a big day, passing for four touchdowns.