Here’s a closer look at the programs, ranked from least to most likely to pull off a signature Week 7 win.
Note: All games are scheduled for Saturday.
vs. No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten) • 12 p.m. ET (Fox)
The Illini flopped in their first ranked game of the season, falling to Indiana, 63-10, on Sep. 20. Even so, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day isn’t buying that as an accurate representation of Illinois, telling reporters earlier this week, “I can’t explain that game… You have to throw out the film because that’s not who we’re playing.” (h/t The Morning Sun)
Illinois needs a special performance from quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has the most pass attempts (148) without an interception among power conference quarterbacks this season. The fifth-year senior is completing a career-high 73.6 percent of his pass attempts for 1,573 yards (10.6 yards per attempt) and 15 total touchdowns (12 passing, two rushing, one receiving). He’s one of five FBS players with at least one touchdown passing, rushing and receiving, along with senior wide receiver teammate Hank Beatty and three others. (h/t Stathead)
The Illini will need their dynamic playmakers to have big games because the secondary will be tested against a challenging Ohio State offense. Illinois is last in the Big Ten in pass defense (252.3 yards per game), and in three previous games against winning FBS teams, the defense has allowed 329 passing yards per game. In Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin’s first two conference games, he completed 81.1 percent of his pass attempts for 534 yards (9.7 yards per attempt) and five touchdowns.
at No. 3 Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 in Big Ten) • 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
Indiana and Oregon rank first and third, respectively, in average margin of victory, with the Hoosiers outscoring opponents 239-48 (38.2 points per game). The Ducks have won their first five games by an average of 34.4 points.
While Indiana was one of the best stories in college football last season, it’s quickly becoming one of the best teams in the sport. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza deserves consideration for the Heisman. He leads the Big Ten in passing touchdowns (16) while only throwing one interception and completing 73 percent of his passes.
But as strong as Indiana, which is also second in the conference in scoring and total defense, has looked, it hasn’t proved itself on a stage as big as the one it will be on against Oregon.
The Hoosiers are 1-19 in their last 20 road games against ranked teams, including 0-2 under head coach Curt Cignetti. Meanwhile, the Ducks have been in this position numerous times and are 7-1 at home against ranked opponents under head coach Dan Lanning.
vs. No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide (4-1, 2-0 in SEC) • 12 p.m. ET (ABC)
Missouri sophomore running back Ahmad Hardy has been one of this year’s most impactful transfer portal additions, leading the nation with 730 rushing yards and averaging 7.1 yards per carry for a Tigers program that is tied with Ole Miss for the second-best win percentage among SEC teams since the start the 2023 season (26-5), trailing Georgia (28-5).
While Alabama has rebounded nicely from a humbling Week 1 loss to No. 25 Florida State (3-2, 0-2 in ACC), it’s struggled at stopping the run, allowing the second-most yards per carry in the conference (4.65) and 155.4 rush yards per game, which ranks 13th in the SEC. Conversely, Missouri has been stout against the run, allowing 62.4 yards per game and 2.64 yards per carry. If those trends continue, the Tigers could pick up their first win over the Tide in 50 years.
