Illinois beats Oregon 21-10 with Laughery and Dixon

Illinois defeated Oregon 21-10 on Saturday, handing the Ducks their first road loss in Big Ten play since joining the conference in 2024. They had won 10 straight. Aidan Laughery rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown for Illinois, while freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II threw two touchdowns, including a 23-yard game-clinching strike to Collin Dixon late in the fourth quarter.

Laughery and Dixon Spark Illini Offense

Laughery jumpstarted the Illinois offense in the second quarter with a 75-yard untouched touchdown run that cut an early deficit to 10-7. Clayton finished 11-of-18 passing for 84 yards, connecting with Christian Abney for a 9-yard play-action score in the third quarter before finding Dixon in the corner of the end zone in the fourth. Dixon finished the game with six receptions for 65 yards. Illinois coach Bret Bielema said of the decisive final score, I have no idea how Collin made that catch,

Ducks Struggle Without Sidelined Star Moore

Dylan Raiola was 27-of-41 for 246 yards, and Jordon Davison had 14 carries for 92 yards and a TD. However, the Ducks played without Dante Moore, who missed his third consecutive game after suffering a concussion September 26 vs. USC. Oregon has scored just 39 points in the games Moore has been out. Oregon coach Dan Lanning noted, Give credit to Illinois. They were the tougher team and that showed up in the second half,

Kicking Woes and Roster Depletions Hamper Oregon

Oregon also played without four of its top wide receivers, including Evan Stewart, who was suspended indefinitely following a DUI arrest early Sunday morning, alongside injured targets Jalen Lott, Messiah Hampton, and Jeremiah McClellan. Compounding the offensive struggles, kicker Gage Hurych missed three field goal attempts in the fourth quarter, missing from 52 yards twice and 39 yards once. Hurych is 10 for 13 on field goals.

Maryland Road Trip Awaits Illinois While Oregon Hosts Northwestern

Illinois improves its record to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Big Ten play following the victory. The Illini will hit the road next Saturday to face Maryland. Meanwhile, Oregon drops to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play, and the Ducks return home to host No. 24 Northwestern on Halloween.