First-Quarter Update: Oregon Leads Illinois 14- 3

The Illini weren't ready for any of this – but is the worst of it over?

Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) scores a touchdown during the first half against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott (14) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Illini weren't ready for this.

They weren't ready when Oregon right guard Marcus Harper II drove an Illinois edge defender nearly back to Champaign on a block that sprung tight end Kenyon Sadiq for a 16-yard gain on the Ducks' opening scoring drive. (Twist of the knife: Harper is from Chicago Heights, Illinois).

They weren't ready to protect quarterback Luke Altmyer when they took the ball on the ensuing possession and Altmyer was dropped for a 10-yard sack on a three-and-out.

And they weren't ready to pressure the passer or cover, it seemed, when Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel was left completely (and seemingly endlessly) unbothered on a 31-yard touchdown to receiver Tez Johnson and then moments later threw a 34-yard dart to receiver Justius Lowe, who got open on a simple skinny post break.

And neither was Altmyer ready, as an ugly toss into coverage intended for receiver Zakhari Franklin – but roughly 10 yards beyond him – was easily picked off.

The Illini weren't ready to walk into Eugene's Autzen Stadium and immediately get run off the turf – but that was the narrative through one quarter. After finally making a third-down stand on defense and putting together something resembling a drive on offense, Illinois finally answered back. (There's death, taxes and kicker David Olano.)

David Olano's 38-yard field goal is good!

1:34 Q1 | #Illini 3, Oregon 14 pic.twitter.com/yrB5flBvKh

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) October 26, 2024

The top-ranked Ducks are not an ideal team against which to quickly fall behind on the road. But here we are.

End of Q1: Oregon 14, Illinois 3

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Urban Meyer Breaks Down the Bret Bielema Effect at Illinois

Oregon Coach Dan Lanning Offers High Praise for Illinois' Bret Bielema

How Illinois Football Can Pull Off the Upset Against No. 1 Oregon