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Oregon football history: Ducks, Illinois Fighting Illini set to start series up again

The Oregon Ducks and the Illinois Fighting Illini haven't met up in some time, but that's about to change a bit with the move to the Big Ten.

By Ethan Lee

Nov 24, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dontae Manning (8) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the end zone during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dontae Manning (8) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the end zone during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports / Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
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It’s been a pretty long time since the Oregon Ducks football program has had the chance to meet up with the Illinois Fighting Illini, but that’s going to change sooner rather than later as the Oregon Ducks migrate on over to the Big Ten from the Pac-12. 

The Ducks and Illini have only met three times on the gridiron a grand total of three times and each one has been pretty close. But, given the state of each program, it seems likely that this upcoming contest during the 2024 Oregon football season won’t be all that exciting for everyone involved. 

The first meeting between Oregon and Illinois took place back on September 19, 1970 on the road in Champaign, Illinois. The Fighting Illini managed to come out on top of a tight battle, beating the Ducks by a score of 20-16.

But, things have turned around a bit since then.

23 years after that road loss in Champaign, the Ducks and Fighting Illini met again on the field. On September 25, 1993, Oregon took a trip on over Champaign seeking a rematch win. And this time, the Ducks were able to win a defensive struggle, securing a hard-fought 13-7 victory.

While the first two meetings in this series were low scoring, things changed a bit in 1995 (the most recent meeting between the Ducks and Fighting Illini. On September 9, 1995, the two teams met up in Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon for the first time and fans were treated to a bit of an offensive shootout that Oregon won by a score of 34-31.

Oregon football vs. Illinois Fighting Illini series summary:

  • First meeting: September 19, 1970
  • Last meeting: September 9, 1995
  • Oregon's record: 2-1
  • Total games: 3
  • Largest margin of victory: Oregon by 6 points (13-7 in 1993)

Oregon and Illinois may not have extensive history, but the series has been a closely contested matchup in the three meetings that we’ve seen up to this point. That said, given how good Oregon looks and the way that Illinois has struggled in recent years, it’s unlikely that we see a close game between these two teams any time soon.

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