Oregon Ducks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction: Top-Ranked Ducks Avoid Upset?

Oregon vs. Illinois Odds

The Ducks enter Saturday’s top-20 showdown as a 21.5-point home favorite vs. the visiting Illini. The over/under is set at 54.5 points.

Oregon has been nearly unbeatable at home in recent memory. Under coach Dan Lanning, since 2022, the Ducks have a record of 16-1 at Autzen Stadium. In their last game at home vs. Ohio State, Oregon was an underdog but beat Ohio State 32-31. 

Illinois has been a surprise this season. The Fighting Illini had a win total set at 5.5 in the preseason and have already hit that with 5 games remaining. Illinois biggest win this year was a road win at Nebraska. Illinois was a 7-point underdog in that game. They have thrived when the odds are against them. 

Oregon vs. Illinois Preview

ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Ducks a 91.4 percent chance to win vs. Illinois. 

Oregon is the No. 1 team in the nation and they are playing at home, so the FPI thinks there is little chance of an upset. 

Oregon came into the year as the Preseason No. 3 team but fell in the ranks after two subpar performances against Idaho and Boise State to start the season. The Ducks have gotten better each game and are now playing as good football as anyone in the country. That’s reflective of their No. 1 ranking. The offensive line, which struggled early in the year, has cleaned things up and has protected quarterback Dillon Gabriel, opening up the offense as a whole. 

Illinois came into the season with fairly low expectations. Just making a bowl game would have been considered a success. Illinois has already accomplished that feat and can now shoot for loftier goals. Quarterback Luke Altmyer has had an impressive showing this season. He is playing mistake-free football and has 15 passing touchdowns to only 1 interception. However, Illinois defense has been the biggest key to their success. 

Oregon vs. Illinois Score Prediction

Illinois will not be intimidated going into a hostile road atmosphere. The Illini have already played night games at undefeated Nebraska and Penn State. For Illinois to give the Ducks a real scare, they cannot afford to fall behind early. If the Illinois defense can limit the Ducks early, it gives their offense more flexibility. If Oregon can get out to a two-possession lead, it will be very difficult for the Illini to get back in the game.

How can you pick against the Ducks at home? With an extra day of rest, Oregon rolls Illinois.

Oregon 35, Illinois 13