Oregon Ducks Quarterback Dillon Gabriel Earns MVP in Win Vs. Illinois: ‘on the hunt for victories’

The number 1 Oregon ducks dismantled the No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, winning by a final score of 38-9. The Ducks scored first and never looked back. Though Oregon’s defense certainly made a strong case for the game’s MVP after holding Illinois to nine points, quarterback Dillon Gabriel was the best player on the field.

In the first half alone, Gabriel threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns, and he rushed for another score. He finished the game with 292 passing yards and four total touchdowns. After the game, he spoke with CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell about spreading the wealth among the playmakers during the Oregon offense.

“It’s beautiful, that’s how it should be,” said Gabriel. “I’m proud of everyone, and we have a lot of guys when they get the ball in their hands, they can do great things. So proud of them and excited for them.”

Gabriel connected with wide receiver Tez Johnson six times for 102 yards. Johnson’s longest reception of the game was his 31-yard touchdown. Gabriel found Johnson over the middle, and the elite wide receiver ran 20 yards after the catch before diving into the corner of the end zone.

The Oregon offense didn’t have a tight end Terrance Ferguson for the second week in a row after the veteran pass catcher had his appendix removed. Despite missing one of his most reliable targets, Gabriel still completed 18 of 26 passes.

Wide receiver Justius Lowe and tight end Patrick Herbert stepped up in Ferguson’s absence. Lowe caught Gabriel’s second touchdown of the game with a deep ball over the middle for a 34-yard score. Low caught two passes from Gabriel for 51 yards, and Herbert finished with two receptions for 48 yards.

Gabriel was pulled with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter when the Ducks led 38-9. Redshirt freshman quarterback Austin Novosad came in to replace him as Oregon looks to retain the redshirt of backup quarterback Dante Moore.

With his performance, Gabriel climbed to No. 2 on the NCAA all-time passing yards and touchdowns leaderboards. His 17,088 career passing yards rank behind only Case Keenum, who threw for 19,217. However, Gabriel said he was not concerned about the individual rewards after the match.

“Just not a man with great individual accolades. I chase victories. You know, I think that’s the most important thing. I have some guys who put a lot of time and effort into it. I mean, I’m blessed to be a part of it,” Gabriel said.

While Gabriel looked like the best player on the field Saturday, Oregon’s defense certainly impressed. Ducks defensive backs Tysheem Johnson and Sione Laulea intercepted Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer. Oregon’s defense also tallied three sacks.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning will celebrate the win, but the preparation for Michigan will begin soon.