Oregon passed its first test as the nation’s No. 1 team with a dominating performance Saturday against Illinois. The Ducks cruised to a 38-9 win against the only remaining ranked team on their schedule to remain tied with Indiana atop the Big Ten standings.
The Ducks (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) were never in danger against No. 20 Illinois (6-2, 3-2), which entered the game riding high from a rare victory over Michigan last week. Oregon scored touchdowns on five of its first six possessions, building a 35-3 lead at halftime and surpassing 400 yards before the end of the third quarter.
Dillon Gabriel was again magnificent, moving up to No. 2 all time in career passing touchdowns (143) and passing yards in the FBS, as he threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns (and rushed for another) before sitting on the bench with a healthy lead midway through the fourth quarter. Gabriel has recorded 22 games with two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, ranking second behind Tim Tebow among quarterbacks since the turn of the century.
Five different players scored touchdowns for the Ducks. Tez Johnson led Oregon with six catches for 102 yards and one score.
Everything seemed difficult for Illinois, which couldn’t match the Ducks’ speed on offense or run through their defensive line. The Illini didn’t eclipse 100 yards until midway through the third quarter and their first touchdown was helped by an unnecessary roughness penalty on third down. The Illini took advantage with a 95-yard drive in the third quarter. Luke Altmyer completed 17 of 35 passes for 161 yards. Oregon’s defense sacked him three times and he threw two interceptions.
The win sets up Oregon for a potential run to an undefeated regular season. The schedule doesn’t include another ranked team until the Big Ten Championship Game. The Ducks travel to Michigan next week and later visit Wisconsin, which could potentially jump into the top 25 if it defeats No. 3 Penn State later today in Madison, Wisconsin.
- The 32-point win was Oregon’s largest ever over a Big Ten opponent.
- At 8-0, the Ducks tied the program record for best start. Only the 2012 (10-0) and 2010 (12-0) teams got off to better starts.
- Dan Lanning moves to 30-5 as a head coach with the victory.
- Illinois is now 2-13 all time against AP No. 1 teams.
Read the full article here