Oregon and Illinois will face each other for the first time since 1995 in a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday, with the No. 1 Ducks hosting the No. 20 Illini in a significant Big Ten clash airing on CBS. The Ducks, currently boasting a 7-0 record for the first time since 2013 and only the seventh time in their history, are coming off a dominant 35-0 victory over Purdue. Meanwhile, Illinois enters the game at 6-1, having already secured three wins against ranked opponents this season.
This game marks Illinois’ first encounter with a top-ranked team since they shocked Ohio State 28-21 in 2007. For Oregon, this matchup provides an opportunity to solidify their ranking after achieving the top spot following their win over Ohio State on October 12.
Illinois displayed strong performance last week, defeating Michigan with a 21-7 victory that featured three forced turnovers while committing none. To carry this momentum against the Ducks, who are the favorites in this matchup, Illinois will need to capitalize on turnover opportunities. Led by third-year coach Dan Lanning, Oregon has shaken off early-season struggles to emerge as a dominant force in college football.
Oregon is entering this game with defensive confidence after securing their first shutout since 2012 against Purdue, limiting the Boilermakers to just 93 yards passing. This defensive success is particularly promising as they prepare to face an Illinois team that previously tallied 536 yards against Purdue.
Illinois, vying for a spot in the College Football Playoffs, aims to boost their chances with a win over Oregon. Although a loss wouldn’t entirely eliminate their playoff ambitions, it would make their path more challenging, requiring them to win out against upcoming opponents Minnesota, Michigan State, Rutgers, and Northwestern.
Oregon’s rushing attack, led by junior Jordan James, will be crucial in this game. James currently ranks third in the Big Ten and 14th nationally in rushing yards, averaging over 5.1 yards per carry. This may be critical against an Illinois defense that has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in recent games where they allowed significant yardage on the ground.
Fans can watch the game on Saturday, October 26, at 3:30 p.m. ET from Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, through CBS or via live stream on CBS Sports.
As for predictions, despite Illinois’ confidence and record against ranked teams, they will face a tougher challenge at Oregon. However, analysts suggest that Illinois has enough offensive capability with quarterback Luke Altmyer to keep the game within the betting spread. The recommendation leans toward Illinois covering the spread at +21.5.