NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Coach Bret Bielema's 3-3 Illinois Fighting Illini are set to welcome coach Dan Lanning's Oregon Ducks to Champaign, Ill. this Saturday at 3 p.m. ET in one of the weekend's most anticipated Big Ten games. 

The Fighting Illini are coming off of a much-needed bye week while the Ducks beat Nebraska 17-14 at Autzen Stadium on a fourth quarter touchdown pass from former Cornhuskers QB Dylan Raiola to tight end Jamari Johnson. 

Lanning's team has struggled on offense without star QB Dante Moore, whose status (concussion) for Saturday is unknown based on his coach's recent comments. 

Lanning took note of Bielema's unique schemes on offense and defense while complimenting the Fighting Illini coach ahead of what looks like a challenging game. 

"A Really Well-Coached Team"

Lanning was complimentary of what he saw on film from the Fighting Illini ahead of his team's Week 8 road game. 

"What do you notice immediately, it's a really well-coach team. Coach Bielema always does a phenomenal job, they've obviously had this previous week to really prepare for us, get healthy…You feel like you're behind a little bit when you start looking at a team like Illinois and the skillset that they have," the Oregon coach in comments posted by Glenn Kinley of WCIA-3

Lanning acknowledged that the Fighting Illini have dealt with tough-luck injuries so far this season, something his team has also had to overcome. 

Illinois quarterback Katin Houser broke his throwing hand in Week 6 against Michigan State and wide receiver Jayshon Platt has still not played after transferring in from Florida Atlantic.

"They have some playmakers and some weapons, and they do as good a job as anybody in football as far as getting their guys the ball and taking advantage of those weapons." 

Lanning Speaks on Illinois Defense 

On defense, the Fighting Illini are a wild card now that Roger Cooper has taken over for departed defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck. 

Lanning noted the unique looks Cooper's unit gives opponents, as part of a scheme that was first installed by Hauck after coming over from Montana this offseason. 

"What they do on defense is extremely unique, you don't see a ton of teams playing the 3-3 stack the way they play," Lanning said. "A lot of different pressure variables, and really hard to get a bead on what they're doing a lot of times.

"Obviously, we've got to play well to have success in this game." 

The Ducks lead the all-time series against Illinois three games to one, having won 38-9 in Eugene, Ore. in 2024 and also in 1995 and 1993 in Eugene and Champaign, respectively. 

The Illini's lone win against the Ducks was a 20-16 game in 1970 in Champaign, a result Bielema and his staff will hope to replicate this coming Saturday. 

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos