The Oregon Ducks are ranked atop the Associated Press Top 25 college football poll, but the task isn’t over yet. The team faces a new challenge each week, and that comes in the form of the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday.

Illinois, ranked No. 20 in the AP poll and now 6-1 on the season, enters the game with a desire to cause major upset on the road and set fire to the current college football power structure.

With our on-the-job experts, we examine the odds and features of this match and try to determine the best bets ahead of kick-off at Autzen Stadium on Saturday.

CFB Week 9 Illinois vs. Oregon predictions, best bets

• Illinois first drive result – field goal attempt: +550 on FanDuel
• Oregon’s over 38.5 total points: +105 in fanatics

Illinois is very efficient on its opening drives despite ranking 62nd in points per game offensively. The Illini have scored on their first drives in their last six games. This includes games against Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska.

While Oregon has an impressive defense, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema appears to be finding ways to produce early. With +550 odds for a field goal or a field goal, it’s worth putting some money on both.

Yet this Illinois team allowed a ton of goals to Purdue two weekends ago in a game that was much closer than it should have been. Injuries and a lack of firepower to compete with top programs will hold the Illini back in this one.

As a result, expect Oregon to eventually break this open and that will result in points. I expect the Ducks to score into the 40s, which means they’ll clear the 38.5-point team total you can find on Fanatics.

Top Illinois and Oregon prop picks

• Jordan James over 98.5 rushing yards: -117 at Caesars
• Evan Stewart 57+ receiving yards: -125 on DraftKings

Jordan James over 98.5 rushing yards

Best odds: -117 at Caesars

The Illinois run defense has been tough this season. He has allowed four 100-yard rushers in his last three games.

The Illini didn’t let anyone exceed that total last week, but Michigan RB Kalel Mullings rushed for 87 yards on little passing play to open the offense.

Against a balanced Oregon Ducks offense, the Illini will have to empty the box on the game plan for the Ducks’ receivers. This should create opportunities for Ducks RB Jordan James to shine.

James has gone above that 98.5 mark in four of the last six games. He didn’t last through the week, but had just 10 carries for 50 yards and two touchdowns.

Evan Stewart 57+ Welcoming Area

Best odds: -125 on DraftKings

QB Dillon Gabriel transferred to Oregon knowing he would have plenty of weapons at his disposal. WR Tez Johnson continues to be the star of the passing game, but WR Evan Stewart has been strong the last few weeks and is worth a look when it comes to punt lines.

Against Ohio State, Stewart had seven catches for 149 yards. He followed that with a four-catch, 96-yard performance in the win over Purdue.

The momentum is bound to continue in the college football world, and Stewart should be the best offensive player in this offense.

Illinois’ secondary, although strong, tends to give up bounce plays. Expect Johnson to remain the main focus, with Stewart capitalizing on a few big plays on Saturday.