Ohio State Football: Winners and Losers from Buckeyes' Win vs. Illinois

Ohio State's 17-7 win over No. 16 Illinois not only was the team's first Big Ten victory this year, it was the biggest of the season.

The game also might or might not have alleviated fans doubts after dropping a 21-point second half lead to Nebraska last Saturday, as there were good and bad points to this win as in any game.

With that said, here are the winners and losers of the Buckeyes' big win.

Winner: Dan Herron

Senior running back Dan Herron missed the first six games this season to a couple of NCAA suspensions.

Without the key offensive player, the Buckeyes' have struggled putting points on the board by scoring 25.5 points a game.

Herron immediately made his presence felt by having 114 yards on 23 carries and a score. His touchdown was a 12-yard scamper to make it 10-0 Buckeyes in the third quarter.

Loser: Braxton Miller

Freshman quarterback Braxton Miller had a really solid game against Nebraska before leaving with an ankle injury.

This time around, Miller did not make his presence felt. Even though the offensive gameplan was centered on the run, Miller was 1-for-4 for 17 yards and a touchdown.

He wasn't effective running either, going 34 yards on 12 carries.

Miller's performance might have been affected by that injury. Maybe it's more serious then we know.

Whatever the case, No. 5 will look to bounce back against nationally ranked Wisconsin.

Winner: Jake Stoneburner

For the second straight week, junior tight end Jake Stoneburner hauled in a key touchdown.

In the fourth quarter, Miller dropped back and Stoneburner nabbed a 17-yard score past Illini defenders.

Stoneburner leads the team with six touchdown catches.

Loser: Offensive Line Protection

Ohio State's offensive line did a poor job protecting their freshman quarterback Braxton Miller.

Miller was sacked four times and could not get the passing game going.

The offensive line allowing numerous sacks could possibly have aggravated Miller's ankle injury.

Miller needs to stay healthy for a potential Bowl run to be a reality, and that goal rests solely on the Buckeyes' o-line.

Winner: Ohio State Defense

Say what you want about Ohio State's defense, but the unit did a great job against the Illini by limiting a potent offense to just seven points on its home turf. 

Illinois sophomore quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase had three interceptions before facing the Buckeyes.

However, Ohio State freshman defensive back Brady Roby and junior defensive back Travis Howard each picked Scheelhaase off in the second half. Howard's came with under four minutes remaining.

The Buckeyes also held the Big Ten's leading receiver in A.J. Jenkins to 80 yards. Jenkins had 450 yards and five touchdowns the previous two games.

Loser: Carlos Hyde

Sophomore running back Carlos Hyde is a major part in the Buckeyes' offense.

Hye is the team's leading rusher with 408 yards and five scores.

While it's understandable Hyde will take a lesser role with senior running back Dan Herron returning, No. 34 simply was non-existent against Illinois.

He had three carries for eight yards.

Bob Bajek is a writing intern at Bleacher Report. He is also a freelance reporter and can be followed at Patch.com and Twitter.