#20 Illinois Falls to #1 Oregon

Game Recap: Football | October 26, 2024

RECAP

EUGENE, Ore. – No. 20 Illinois dropped its road contest to No. 1 Oregon, 38-9, on Saturday afternoon at Autzen Stadium.

Aidan Laughery led the Illini with 12 carries and 69 yards, including a 34-yard gain that ultimately set up a field goal in the first quarter. Josh McCray became the 48th player in program history to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark, totaling six carries for 27 yards.

Zakhari Franklin hauled in a 44-yard pass in the third quarter, Illinois’ longest play of the day and his longest reception of the season, before finishing with a team-most six catches for 72 yards.

Ca’Lil Valentine recorded his first-career touchdown, a 4-yard rushing score, with under one minute remaining in the third quarter.

Tyson Rooks registered the first interception of his collegiate career, which came on the second play of the fourth quarter.

Dylan Rosiek tallied a team-high 12 total tackles, which equaled the career-best mark he set last week against No. 24 Michigan.

No. 20 Illinois (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) returns to Memorial Stadium next Saturday, Nov. 2, against Minnesota for its penultimate regular-season home contest. The game time and broadcast information have yet to be announced.

PRESS CONFERENCE

POSTGAME NOTES

Player Notes

• RB Ca’Lil Valentine carried the ball five times for 27 yards.
  • Scored the first touchdown of his career in the third quarter on a 4-yard run.

• RB Aidan Laughery rushed 12 times for 69 yards.
• RB Josh McCray became the 48th player in program history to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark.
  • Rushed six times for 27 yards in today’s contest.

• WR Zakhari Franklin caught six passes for 72 yards.
  • His 44-yard reception in the third quarter was a career-long in an Illini uniform.

• Tyson Rooks recorded the first interception of his career in the fourth quarter.