While the coaches and players may downplay it, one truth is evident regarding this weekend’s four-game baseball battle between Ohio State and Illinois.This early in the season, they don’t get much bigger.The Illini, standing in first place in the Big Ten, have an advantage over other title contenders. Due to inclement weather, Illinois’ weekend series at Michigan State was cancelled. This led to the Illini having four home series remaining and only two on the road.”All I know,” Buckeye coach Bob Todd said, “is that it’s first-place Illinois and they’re coming to Columbus, OH. “If they want this series, they’re going to have to come to our house and take it.”Todd downplayed the significance of the series, stating it is still early in the Big Ten campaign. However, he did allude to the possible ramifications of this weekend down the road. Whichever team wins this series – whether by taking three of four or sweeping – is in the driver’s seat in the Big Ten.”It’s tough to read the effects of this series right away,” Todd said. “But every year, you look back at certain games and series that have an impact.”This could be one of those weekends.”Buckeye co-captains Dan Seimetz and Mark Carek gave further insight into the advantage of playing at home.”It’s a huge advantage,” Seimetz said. “We’re getting them away from home and in front of our fans, who have given us a lot of support this season.”The last three years, we were there. This year, we have that advantage.”Carek agreed.”We’re getting them here this time,” Carek said. “We’re at home, we have great fan support and hopefully we’ll be pumped up.”While it may seem natural to be nervous before a big series, Carek emphasized the team – and he as a co-captain – take the same approach.”We don’t do anything different,” Carek said. “We just try to play up to our capabilities and just play baseball.”The series may turn on the men on the mound. Both the Illini and the Buckeyes have solid pitching staffs. Friday’s matchup should be especially interesting with Illinois’ Brett Weber – last week’s co-pitcher of the week in the conference – versus Justin Fry – last year’s Big Ten pitcher of the year.One of the keys to those staffs will be the men behind the plate. Senior catcher Mike Kremblas will call the game from behind the plate for OSU, and he feels he and his pitching staff are something special together.”We have a pretty good relationship,” Kremblas said. “They have as much respect for me as I do for them. “I’ve been together with most of them for a long time, and we work as one when we’re out there.”Friday’s game time is 6:35 p.m. Saturday’s doubleheader starts at 4:05 p.m., while Sunday’s single game starts at 1:05 p.m.Todd summed up his hopes for this weekend in one sentence.”I hope our team steps up to the challenge.”