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ESPN’s FPI predicts Week 9 Top 25 matchup between Oregon and Illinois
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
ESPN’s FPI has released its projection of Saturday’s matchup between No. 1 Oregon and No. 20 Illinois, the first game the Ducks have played as the top team in the country in over a decade.
Based on the FPI, the Ducks won’t struggle to top the Illini. They’ve been given a 91.5 percent chance to win.
Oregon remained perfect on the season as it took down Purdue, 35-0, in West Lafayette on Friday. Dillon Gabriel threw for 290 yards and 2 touchdowns while Jordan James had a pair of rushing scores as part of a 10-carry, 50-yard outing. Jay Harris had 7 attempts for 32 yards and a score while Noah Whittington added 9 carries for 42 yards while recording a receiving touchdown.
The Illini will be looking to pull a road upset, though, in what would be Bret Bielema’s biggest win at the helm of the program. Illinois defeated Michigan 21-7 in its last game: despite being outgained 322-267, the Illini held a 187-114 edge on the ground. Meanwhile, the defense totaled 5 sacks on the day.
Historically, this has been an infrequent series. Oregon and Illinois first played each other in 1970 — an Illinois win — but didn’t meet again until 1993 and 1995 as Oregon took both contests. The wait won’t be as long after 2024: they’ll play each other in Champaign in 2026 and back in Eugene in 2028.
Kickoff from Autzen Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.