Oregon Ducks' Struggles Continue With Loss to Illinois

The Oregon Ducks' slim hopes of making the College Football Playoff are over after their third loss of the season to the Illinois Fighting Illini. 

Oregon fell 21-10 in another disappointing performance, unable to get anything going on offense. Quarterback Dante Moore remained out, and the Ducks opted to start Dylan Raiola. 

Raiola completed 27 of 41 passes for 246 yards and did not find the end zone. He did not throw an interception, but he did fumble. The run game was strong, as Jordon Davison rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Dierre Hill Jr. had 83 yards on 13 carries.

Dakorien Moore had a solid game with nine receptions for 70 yards, while tight end Jamari Johnson had seven receptions for 69 yards. However, the offense couldn't sustain drives, and when they did, kicker Gage Hurych struggled.

Hurych entered the game having made all 19 of his extra point attempts and all nine of his field goal attempts. Against Illinois, he only made one of his four field goal attempts.

Oregon's defense had some bright spots, holding the Fighting Illini to 89 yards through the air. Teitum Tuioti got pressure on the quarterback with 2.5 sacks, while Matayo Uiagalelei recovered a fumble.

While they were effective against the passing attack, the Ducks couldn't stop the run. Illinois rushed for 225 yards and a touchdown on 39 carries (5.8 yards per carry).

The Ducks built a strong roster and entered the season as one of the top contenders for the National Championship. Even when healthy, Oregon didn't look great, and things have completely unraveled in recent weeks.

The Ducks don't have an easy schedule left, but they'll want to win some games to become ranked again. A strong end to the season could help Oregon build momentum heading into the 2027 season.

The final stretch of games will also be pivotal for Raiola, who entered the season as the expected starter for the 2027 season, after Moore left for the NFL. With Moore out, Raiola has received his chance a year earlier and has been inconsistent.

Through five games, he has completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 761 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Raiola will need a productive end to the year to have a chance to start next season.

Head coach Dan Lanning will look to get his team back on track next week as they take on the No. 24 Northwestern Wildcats.