Get ready for Week 9 of the college football season! After a thrilling Week 8, expect to see more high drama this week, as teams will look to ramp up the intensity as bowl season and the College Football Playoff are right around the corner. Every win and loss is magnified from this point forward. One of the key matchups this week will be the Oregon Ducks taking on the Illinois Fighting Illini in what should be a highly entertaining matchup between two ranked teams.
For the first time this season, the Oregon Ducks are ranked number one in the AP top 25. And that is for good reason. They are undefeated with a record of 6-0. But their most impressive win yet, was when they took down College Football Playoff hopeful, Ohio State at home last week. Now the Ducks will look to continue that momentum heading into this week against Illinois.
The Fighting Illini have not had nearly as good of a season as Oregon. But still, as an opponent ranked in the top 25, they have proven to be a formidable opponent this season. However, the Illini have yet to have a statement win on their record as all of their wins this season have come against unranked schools. The one game they played against a ranked school was against third-ranked Penn State and they lost that game 21-7. Although Illinois’ College Football Playoff hopes are dashed, they are still jockeying for a position to qualify for a favorable bowl game. Notching their first win against a ranked opponent could be just what they need the get the ball rolling.
So whether you are rooting for a clear favorite or hoping for a miracle by the underdog, the most important thing to remember is that you must be in it to win it.
