COLUMBUS (AP) — Last week was anything but routine for No. 1 Ohio State.

A Monday night road game at Virginia Tech was followed by a Saturday game in Columbus. The Buckeyes refused to blame their lethargic offensive performance in a 38-0 victory against Hawaii on the short turnaround, but there is no doubt this week has been better than last.

“It’s just good to get back on a routine,” guard Pat Elflein said after practice Wednesday. “That’s our routine since I’ve been here, a Saturday game. It’s good to get back in that rhythm. It feels like normal Ohio State football now, not all over the place crazy.”

The Buckeyes are hoping a little more rest leads to be a better effort when Northern Illinois (2-0) comes to town on Saturday.

Coach Urban Meyer has noticed a difference.

“We’ve had two great days of practice,” he said.

Last Wednesday the Buckeyes were still catching their breaths after an emotional 42-24 win at Virginia Tech. The team didn’t arrive back in Columbus until 4 a.m. Tuesday and did not practice that day.

“Last week we really didn’t really have that much practice,” running back Ezekiel Elliott said. “We weren’t as prepared as we were this week. The guys were ready to come out and get better and prepare for this weekend. There’s a little different energy and a little more readiness.”

The Buckeyes certainly looked less than their best last Saturday against Hawaii. Mostly it was the offense that struggled. Neither Cardale Jones nor J.T. Barrett was sharp at quarterback. Elliott ran for 107 yards but for only 3.7 yards per carry. The line did not handle Hawaii’s odd fronts and blitzes and the Buckeyes only had one play for more than 20 yards. It was a big drop off from a great night in Blacksburg, Virginia, against a good defense.

The Buckeyes should have a better grasp of what Northern Illinois will throw at them along with a few less aches and pains.

“My legs definitely feel a lot better,” defensive tackle Adolphus Washington said. “To finally get a break in there and get some down time to yourself, to be back on schedule is definitely great. You get back into your routine of things that’s happening. Everybody just feels great.”