Oregon Ducks Quarterback Dillon Gabriel Wins MVP in Win Vs. Illinois: ‘Chasing Wins’

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. While Oregon’s defense certainly made a strong case for the game’s MVP after holding Illinois to nine points, quarterback Dillon Gabriel He was the best player on the field.

In the first half alone, Gabriel threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns, and ran for another score. He finished the game with 292 passing yards and four total touchdowns. After the game, he spoke with CBS reporter Jenny Dell about how to spread the wealth among the playmakers on Oregon’s offense.

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

Gabriel connected with 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 darting to the corner of the end zone.

Oregon offense was left without tight ends Terrance Ferguson for the second straight week after the veteran receiver had his appendix removed. Despite missing one of his most reliable targets, Gabriel 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 pass 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 appears to be preserving backup quarterback Dante Moore’s redshirt.

With his performance, Gabriel rose to No. 2 in the NCAA rankings for all-time passing yards and touchdowns. His 17,088 career passing yards trail only Case Keenum, who threw for 19,217. However, Gabriel said he wasn’t worried about individual rewards after the game.

“It’s just not a high individual praise kind of thing. I’m chasing victories. You know, I think that’s the most important thing. I have a group of guys who put a lot of time and effort into it. I mean, I’m lucky to be a part of this,” 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 had three sacks.

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