Oregon Ducks lose to Illinois, ending CFP hopes

Oregon traveled to Champaign and was defeated 21-10 by the Illinois Fighting Illini, leaving the Ducks at 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Pac-12 and ending their bid for the College Football Playoff. quarterback Dylan Raiola completed 27 of 41 passes for 246 yards but did not throw a touchdown, and the offense struggled to sustain drives after an early 75-yard opening series that ended with a rushing touchdown by Jordon Davison.

Illinois took advantage of several stalled Oregon drives, including a 75-yard run by Aiden Laughery that gave the Illini a 10-0 lead. The Ducks narrowed the gap to 10-7 before halftime, but a missed field goal and a failed fourth-down conversion left them trailing at the break.

In the second half, Illinois relied on its ground game and added a touchdown pass from Michael Clayton II to Christian Abney to go ahead 14-10. Oregon responded with a short drive capped by a field goal attempt that missed, and Illinois extended its lead with a late touchdown pass to Collin Dixon, sealing the 21-10 victory.

Defensively, Oregon performed well, with defensive end Teitum Tuioti recording five tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble, but the team's offensive shortcomings prevented the defense from translating its effort into a win.