Illinois football is going to take on the best team in the country on Saturday.
Oregon has talent from top to bottom and at every position. They not only have great starters, but their depth is incredible as well. The Illini haven’t played a team like this in this big of a game in quite some time.
Illinois is going to be prepared to take on the Ducks. I believe in Bret Bielema and the coaching staff, but Oregon is also going to come out firing with all of their weapons. There are multiple areas that worry me heading into this game.
Here are the three biggest worries for the Illinois football team against Oregon
1. Consistent offensive attack
Everyone knows Oregon has a good football team. They are ranked No. 1 in the nation for a reason. This team has been able to steamroll through their schedule for multiple reasons, one being their great balance on offense.
Most college football programs are heavy in either the passing or running game, but that isn’t how Oregon unleashes their talent. They can strike from both areas consistently throughout the game.
Two games ago, Ohio State felt the consistent offensive attack deployed by Oregon. The Ducks had 34 pass attempts to 31 runs. That is great offensive balance.
Oregon’s run game in that contest went for 31 carries for 155 yards and two touchdowns, which is a solid 5.0 yards per carry average. Through the air, they were even better, as Dillion Gabriel was 23-of-34 for 341 yards and two touchdowns. That is a 67.6% completion rate.
This season, Oregon is in the top 50 in both pass and run offense. On top of that, the offense doesn’t turn the ball over. They average 1.0 giveaways per game, which ranks No. 29 in the nation.
The efficiency and consistency of the Oregon offense is impressive. That is how they continue to win games. Illinois is going to need to cause some chaos within that offense if we want any chance at slowing the Ducks down.