Illinois traveled over 2,000 miles to Autzen Stadium for a sunny afternoon matchup against Oregon, the nation’s top-ranked team. They knew this would be a test of speed, strength and athleticism, and this game pushed the Illini to their limits.
Whether rankings matter or not, today’s competition proved that Oregon isn’t ranked No. 1 for nothing. The home team out-performed Illinois in nearly every capacity, winning 38-9.
Illinois struggles with east-to-west offense
Before kickoff, Gary Danielson emphasized the importance of Illinois’ efforts to limit the yards-after-catch made by Oregon. The Ducks came out quickly, eager to score early in the game. They executed the catch-and-run against the Illini defense with ease, advancing downfield after each reception.
In the first nine minutes of the game, senior Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel completed two touchdown passes. The Ducks obtained 141 total yards and successfully converted all four third-down attempts in their first two drives.
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Whether it was a sweeping outside run or a long pass to a receiver, the Illini could not stop it. This speed and talent were elements the Illini hadn’t really seen before, and they couldn’t keep up.
Second quarter shutdown
Oregon’s defense penetrated Illinois’ offensive attempts every single time. The Ducks used their strength to get past the Illini’s blocks and pressured junior quarterback Luke Altmyer to the max.
Illinois’ offensive line failed to protect Altmyer sufficiently. Oregon’s linebackers attacked from both ends, forcing Altmyer to get the ball out quickly and inaccurately. In the second quarter, Altmyer threw for a mere 16 yards and finished the half with a 40% completion rate overall.
While the junior quarterback has shown more expertise in recent weeks, he shifted away from that today. Altmyer struggled to keep the ball steady in his hands and nearly sacrificed their offensive possession a handful of times. He lacked the effective decision-making skills he typically demonstrates, throwing his second interception of the season.
This was the complete opposite for Oregon. At the half, Gabriel totaled 246 passing yards and an 80% completion rate. He read the field much better and lacked the defensive pressure that Altmyer endured. In the second quarter alone, Oregon picked up three additional touchdowns to put the score at 35-3 before halftime.
Second-half momentum still not enough
Coming out of the locker room, the Illini looked sharper and more intentional with their offensive drives. In the third quarter, the Illini converted numerous first-downs, something they hadn’t done in the first half.
At the end of the quarter, Illinois completed a 16-play drive that lasted almost seven minutes. Alternating between passing and rushing, Altmyer found his receivers better and led the team 95 yards to the goal line. Freshman running back Ca’Lil Valentine rushed for four yards into the end zone, but an unsuccessful two-point conversion kept the Illini under double-digits.
Fourth quarter: survival mode activated
The start of the final quarter showed promising signs of another touchdown drive for the Illini. After an interception to regain possession, the Illini worked their way back into the Ducks’ territory with the help of some defensive penalties.
However, the pain continued to come Illinois fans’ way. Senior wide receiver Pat Bryant exited the game after a hard hit to the head, and the offense could not muster up another score. Then, with about eight minutes left, junior Oregon cornerback Sione Laulea picked off Altmyer on a deep-ball attempt.
While the Illini improved in the second half, fine-tuning their defensive coverage, ultimately the Ducks’ might was too much to overcome. The Oregon lined up in victory formation, and Illinois geared up for another long flight home.
@tess_eken
