EUGENE, Ore. — In a commanding performance on Saturday, Dillon Gabriel led top-ranked Oregon to a decisive 38-9 victory over the No. 20 Illinois, keeping the Ducks undefeated this season.
Gabriel showcased his skills by completing 18 of 26 passes for 291 yards, along with three touchdown throws and one rushing touchdown. The Ducks amassed a remarkable total of 527 yards in offense during the game, with Tez Johnson contributing significantly by catching six passes for 102 yards and one touchdown.
With this win, Oregon improved to 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten, marking their best start to a season since 2013. This is also the Ducks’ third victory over a ranked opponent this season.
The Fighting Illini, now at 6-2 and 3-2 in conference play, were looking to end a long wait since their last encounter with a top-ranked team, which was back in 2007 when they triumphed over Ohio State 28-21.
Luke Altmyer took charge for Illinois, throwing for 161 yards. The Illini came off a solid win against No. 24 Michigan the previous week, marking their third victory against a Top 25 team, which is their highest total in a season since 2007.
Last week, Oregon recorded an impressive shutout against Purdue, triumphing 35-0. However, their notable win over then-No. 2 Ohio State the prior week had already solidified their strong foothold in the Big Ten.
Gabriel has made waves in the Heisman race, boasting a national-leading completion percentage of 77%. He has accumulated 18 touchdown passes and five rushing touchdowns thus far.
The Ducks quickly took control of the game, scoring on their opening drive when Gabriel connected with Johnson for a 31-yard touchdown pass. Continuing their momentum, they found the end zone on their next possession with Justius Lowe catching a 34-yard pass for his first career touchdown.
Illinois managed to score with a 38-yard field goal by Davi Olano, reducing the gap to 14-3.
In a notable moment for Gabriel, he surpassed Timmy Chang in the first half for second place on the NCAA career passing yards list, now trailing only Case Keenum’s record. Gabriel then extended Oregon’s lead with a 7-yard touchdown run and a subsequent 2-yard touchdown reception from Noah Whittington, giving the Ducks a commanding 35-3 lead by halftime.
Illinois opened the third quarter with a drive that reached the Oregon 2-yard line but failed to convert on fourth down. However, Ca’Lil Valentine eventually found the end zone for the Illini, making the score 35-9.
In the fourth quarter, Oregon added to their total with a 44-yard field goal by Andrew Boyle.
The last meeting between these two teams occurred in 1995, during Mike Bellotti’s home coaching debut, where Oregon won a closely contested match 34-31 after being down at halftime.
Key observations from the game include several injury concerns for Illinois. Receiver Malik Elzy required assistance from trainers late in the first half but returned later. Defensive back Kaleb Patterson was also assisted off the field and did not return after halftime. Starting receiver Pat Bryant left the game late in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury.
For Oregon, tight end Terrance Ferguson remained out for the second consecutive week following appendix surgery. Traeshon Holden returned to play against Illinois after being sidelined in the previous matchup against Purdue due to an ejection in the game against Ohio State. He later expressed regret for his actions on social media.
Looking ahead, Illinois will host Minnesota next Saturday, while Oregon is set to face Michigan on the same day.