This weekend, the Ducks proved they deserve their No. 1 spot, and the Illini demonstrated they cannot keep up with the force of a team like that. For the second time this season, the Illini were held to single-digit scoring. They failed to hold back the offensive wrath of the Ducks and took their second road loss of the year.
“Very disappointed in the results of the first half,” head coach Bret Bielema noted after the game. “Obviously didn’t have enough preparation or execution … When they strike, they strike hard and fast.”
This strength and speed provided a wake-up call to the Illini. Although they may have outscored the Ducks in the second half, they were not the better team in this matchup, and it showed.
Quarterback (D): It’s never fun handing out D’s in these grades, especially to the quarterback. That said, junior quarterback Luke Altmyer did not perform to the best of his abilities. Throwing less than a 50% completion rate and two interceptions, Altmyer significantly struggled against Oregon.
He may not have the strongest offensive line to protect him, but at the end of the day, Altmyer is the decision-maker on the field. He lacked confidence in himself and completely crumbled under pressure. His throws were off-target, he held the ball too long and he read the field poorly — this was not the same Altmyer fans have seen this season.
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Running backs (B): Under the circumstances they were in, Illinois’ running backs put up a fight against Oregon’s defense. With sophomore Kaden Feagin out for the remainder of the season, players like sophomore Aidan Laughery and freshman Ca’Lil Valentine must step up, and so far they have.
The team finished with 132 rushing yards, with 96 of them from Laughery and Valentine. They attempted to find gaps in the defense, but Oregon’s guys were too strong and too big to handle. Illinois’ run game has struggled this year, but because of individual talent, there are some positive bursts to look out for.
Receivers (B): Nearly half of Illinois’ receiving yards came from senior Zakhari Franklin, who had a stellar game with 72 yards in six catches. Redshirt freshman Collin Dixon and senior Pat Bryant added to Illinois’ forward progression as well, but not much else stood out from the receiving end.
Unfortunately, Illinois was hit hard in this game, with notable players sophomore Malik Elzy and Bryant being walked off the field after making contact with the Ducks. Their pain likely isn’t anything too serious, but their efforts are needed in Champaign for their next game.
Offensive line (C): This was not the offensive line’s best game, but it also was not its worst. The linemen allowed numerous pressures on Altmyer which resulted in three sacks upon him.
They can handle low-caliber teams, but when it comes to blitzing, the linemen suffer the consequences, and so does Altmyer. With all things considered, the offensive line didn’t perform terribly, but they were not sufficiently prepared for a team like this.
Defensive line (C): Pressures came from Illinois’ defensive line, but it just wasn’t enough. It attacked at first but then missed vital tackles, which led to Oregon converting down after down. Missed tackles against this type of team cannot happen if Illinois wants to win.
Guys like junior linebackers Dylan Rosiek and Gabe Jacas continue to make impacts on the field with their sacks and sneaky attacks. But again, the strength and physicality were greater on Oregon’s side, which allowed Dillon Gabriel to have time to find his receivers down the line.
Secondary (D): The Illini’s defensive backs had difficulty keeping up with the Ducks’ talents down the field. Yards-after-catch was a killer for the Illini this game. When the Ducks have a guy like Tez Johnson who picks up over 100 receiving yards, the Illini are bound to get out-hustled.
It didn’t help that this unit faced some injuries during the game as well. Regardless, they could not handle the speed and agility that Oregon maintained. Gabriel had guys wide open a handful of times, and Illinois lacked the awareness and athleticism to keep up.
Special teams (N/A): Sophomore kicker David Olano got the Illini on the board in the first half with a 38-yard field goal. Junior punter Hugh Robertson averaged nearly 36 yards in his three punts. Aside from that, not much excitement came from this squad.
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