Illinois football is heading into the biggest game of this season and, arguably, the biggest game in nearly 20 years.
The Illini have put themselves in contention for numerous big-time games this season. Moving to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten, Illinois is now ranked No. 20 in the nation. We are still in contention for a berth in the Big Ten Championship game and the College Football Playoff. That is crazy to say seven games into the season.
Oregon stands in the way, though. That is a tough task, as the Ducks are 7-0 and are ranked No. 1 in the country. On top of that, Illinois heads to Eugene to play the game on Saturday.
But Oregon does have a few weaknesses I think Illinois can take advantage of this weekend. The Ducks are a great team, but if the Illini do a few things, we can shock the world.
Here are three areas of attack for the Illinois football team against Oregon
1. Big gains through the middle of the defensive line
While there aren’t a ton of weaknesses for the Oregon Ducks, one could be on the defensive line. Illinois has some horses who can run the football, and targeting the middle of the Oregon defensive line could be key.
The Ducks have some good interior defenders, though. Derrick Harmon is one of the big boys up front, but he is a better pass rusher than a run-stopper. He is also by far the best defensive tackle Oregon will throw at Illinois.
Overall, Oregon isn’t a great rush defensive team. They give up 134.5 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 49 in the nation. The interior defensive line has a lot to do with that number.
Illinois has a chance to attack this Oregon weakness. Not only do the Ducks have a soft spot in the middle of the defensive line, but they tend to play a nickel defense, which is more susceptible to big run gains.
I want to see a heavy dose of the run against the Ducks. That doesn’t mean with just the running backs. Get Luke Altmyer moving too. Illinois can take advantage of this average Oregon defensive line. This will help move the ball down the field, but it will also help keep the ball out of the Oregon offense’s hands.
2. Interior offensive line
Oregon has a high-powered offense that should scare anyone they play. They can move the ball efficiently and with quickness. But there is one area in which Illinois’ defense can attack on Saturday.
The Ducks have great offensive tackles. Ajani Cornelius and Josh Conerly Jr. are both elite-level players who can protect Dylan Gabriel with the best of the best. Both tackles rank in the top 100 among all tackles in the college game.
Oregon’s interior offensive line can’t say the same, though. This is where Illinois needs to attack. Nishad Strother is the Ducks' best guard, as he checks in with a Pro Football Focus grade of 66.4 this season. That ranks No. 169 out of all guards in the country.
The drop-off from there is steep. Oregon’s other guard, Marcus Harper II has struggled this season. He ranks No. 535 in the country among all guards with a grade of 54.1.
As a defense, Illinois has talented defense backs who can cover well. We are going to need to pressure Gabriel so he is uncomfortable, though. We can’t just let him drop back and have all day to throw the ball.
I need to see Illinois putting pressure on the Oregon offensive line. We also play a type of nickel defense, but there are times we can send a couple of extra players at the quarterback. Gabe Jacas could be a huge factor. He is coming off winning the national player of the week after racking up 13 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Focus on pressuring the interior offensive line, and the rest of the line will collapse. Getting pressure on Gabriel is going to be key for Illinois to have a shot on Saturday.
3. Ability to give up yards through the air
You might read the title of this slide and think, what are you talking about? Oregon’s defense is good at stopping the pass, just look at the stats.
Yes, Oregon does have good numbers stopping the pass. They are only giving up 176.8 yards per game through the air. That ranks No. 19 in the country. On paper, that is a good number, but you also have to look at who they have played this season.
Through the first seven games of the season, Oregon has only played one team that ranks inside the top 55 in the country in passing. That was Ohio State two weeks ago.
Do you know what happened in that Ohio State game? While the Ducks came away with a big win, they still gave up 326 yards and two touchdowns to Will Howard and the Buckeyes. Howard also completed 80% of his passes in that game.
While Oregon is good defensively, there is some opportunity for Illinois to attack in the passing game. I think running the ball still needs to be the first plan of attack, as mentioned in the first slide, but Luke Altmyer is going to be the biggest weapon for Illinois.
Altmyer is a dual-threat quarterback. He can run and run well. Getting him moving and out of the pocket will be best for the Illini. That will give him the most options and will put Oregon on their heels. This has a chance to be Altmyer’s coming out party for the Orange and Blue.