4 hours ago4 min read

Top-Ranked Oregon Ducks Prepare for No. 20 Illinois

Jay Harris after his first touchdown as a Duck — © Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten conference) are set to face off with the No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini (6-1, 3-1) at 3:30 EST on Oct. 26 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.

The Oregon Ducks lead the all-time series 2-1. The Ducks haven't faced the Illini since 1995, when they won 34-31. Oregon also won the previous matchup in 1993, so they hold a two-game win streak against Illinois.

Oregon was voted the top team in the country over the weekend for the first time since 2012. However, that only lasted one week for the Ducks last time. They lost at home to the Stanford Cardinal after only being No. 1 for a week. The Ducks are favored by 21.5 points this weekend and should not repeat that event if they execute like they have been.

What's at Stake for the Ducks?

The top-ranked Ducks' undefeated season remains at stake. With a flawless 7-0 record, Oregon remains atop the B1G. The B1G Championship race has become attractive lately because the current three undefeated schools do not play each other. This does run the risk of a three-way tie at the end of the season. If all three teams go without a loss, it will boil down to a tie-breaker. Those three teams are Oregon, No. 13 Indiana (7-0, 4-0) and No. 3 Penn State (6-0, 3-0). However, Penn State and Indiana still have to face No. 4 Ohio State (5-1, 2-1), and it would be shocking if both of them beat the Buckeyes.

Noah Whittington grabbing a touchdown pass against Purdue — © Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Oregon, on the other hand, has already defeated the Buckeyes. On paper, that matchup was the toughest on the Ducks' schedule. Oregon will still have to face a solid Illini team and road matchups against Michigan (4-3, 2-2) and Wisconsin (5-2, 3-1) that are not layups. The Ducks also have Maryland (4-3, 1-3) and Washington (4-3, 2-2) at home on their schedule.

Key Players: Oregon Ducks

Offense: Jordan James, RB

Oregon's run game will be crucial on Saturday. Illinois is giving up 161.3 yards per game on the ground this season, which ranks No. 81 nationally. This poses a problem for the Illini because Oregon has averaged more than 160 yards per game on the ground. Michigan saw some success on the ground against Illinois last weekend, but their stagnant pass game makes it easy for opposing defenses to neutralize their offense. Oregon will always get theirs in the passing game, however.

Defense: Jeffrey Bassa, Devon Jackson, Bryce Boettcher (LB group)

I could've used Jestin Jacobs here, but you get the memo. Illinois' offense does not rank in the top 70 in either rushing or passing yards per game, so Oregon's defense has to focus on the style of play that the Illini follow. Quarterback Luke Altmeyer limits mistakes with only one interception and 15 touchdown passes. He may not have a ton of yards, but don't let it fool you.

Altmeyer has been surgical with the RPO (Run-Pass-Option) style offenses so that the linebacker group will be the focus. This is where Boettcher, Jackson and Bassa come into the conversation. Ideally, it would be more suitable for the LBs to stay back on play actions, forcing Altmeyer to hand the ball off to RPOs and pressure players in the trenches. Derrick Harmon ranks No. 1 in interior pressures, per Pro Football Focus.

Key Players: Illinois Fighting Illini

Offense: Josh McCray, Aidan Laughery, RB group

The key for the Illini will have to be the ground game. Oregon has been worse at stopping the run this year in comparison to the pass, so establishing the ground game will be pivotal for Illinois. Illinois lost their starting running back, Kaden Feagin, to an injury a few weeks ago, so the next-man-up mentality applies. In their statement win against Michigan, McCray and Laughery combined for more than 100 yards last week against the Wolverines. Altmeyer also applies here, as he added 10 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown last weekend.

Defense: Matthew Bailey, DB

Bailey has been a Swiss army knife for the Illini thus far. Despite being a defensive back, he leads the team in total tackles with 48 (23 solo). He also has an interception, pass deflection and forced fumble this season. To see some success, Bailey will have to be a jack of all trades once again for the Illini defense. Oregon's offense is a significant handful, and he may be tasked with guarding Tez Johnson, who is having a big year so far.

Trends to Watch

For the Ducks, look for offensive coordinator Will Stein to set the tone in the run game, much like he did against Purdue (1-6, 0-4). James had 2 touchdowns last week and may have similar results on Saturday. Don't be surprised if Oregon again opts to receive after the coin toss and tries to march down the field on the opening drive as they did against Purdue. Their offense has been incredibly balanced, with the run game setting up the deep pass. Look for a dose of both on Saturday.