Ohio State uses fast start to hold off Illinois, 60-35, remain unbeaten

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) runs for a 70 yard touchdown as Illinois defensive back Zane Petty (21) defensive back V'Angelo Bentley (2) and defensive back Earnest Thomas III (9) chase him during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes) (The Associated Press)

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) scores on a 70-yard touchdown run as Illinois defensive back Eaton Spence (27) and defensive back Earnest Thomas III (9) chase him during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes) (The Associated Press)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Carlos Hyde ran for 246 yards and four touchdowns and Braxton Miller had another 184 yards rushing and two scores Saturday to push No. 3 Ohio State past Illinois 60-35.

But even with Hyde's offensive explosion, the Buckeyes (10-0, 6-0 Big Ten) needed a third-quarter defensive stop and safety to secure the win.

After trailing 28-0 in the second quarter, Illinois (3-7, 0-6) closed to 35-21 in the third on two Nathan Scheelhaase touchdown passes.

Illinois had the momentum when the Buckeyes' Ryan Shazier sacked backup quarterback Reilly O'Toole in the end zone. Illinois recovered his fumble but the safety gave the Buckeyes a 37-21 edge and the ball. Minutes later, a Hyde touchdown put them up 44-21.

Hyde tacked on two late, long touchdowns runs of 55 and 51 yards.

Miller threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

Scheelhaase led the Illini with 288 yards passing and two touchdowns.