As majority of Western Oregon experienced a soggy Saturday, the sun twinkled in a blue sky over Autzen Stadium, highlighting the fall colors on the trees and the sea of yellow that had gathered to watch the new #1 Ducks.
But as beautiful as the setting was, the football being played on the field might have been the prettiest thing of all.
Illinois came in ranked #20. Was that justified? Maybe. They’d done their job so far, with their only loss being a tight game at undefeated Penn State. Their defense had been solid, and their offense tactical.