Illinois Prepares for Loud Challenge Against No. 1 Oregon using crowd noise

 

As the Illinois football team gears up for a highly anticipated matchup against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks this Saturday, players are immersing themselves in the kind of crowd noise they’ll encounter in Eugene. This trip marks the program’s first conference road game against one of the four new former Pac-12 teams, setting the stage for an exciting season with upcoming games against USC and Washington.

Defensive back Xavier Scott expressed enthusiasm about the challenge ahead. “I ain’t never been out there that far to the west, but it’s gonna be pretty exciting,” he said. “They’re gonna be the number-one team, so you know their crowd’s gonna come out there and cheer them on. It’s gonna be a great environment to play a great game.”

This matchup holds historical significance for Illinois, as it will be their first game against a No. 1 opponent since their stunning victory over Ohio State in 2007. Additionally, it marks the first time since 1972 that the Illini will face a top-ranked team that isn’t Ohio State, a testament to the changing landscape of college football.

Wide receiver Pat Bryant echoed Scott’s excitement, emphasizing the rarity of such opportunities. “That’s why you come play college football, for chances like this,” he stated. “Honestly, coming to the University of Illinois,

I didn’t think we’d have a chance to play the number one team. Usually, it’s Alabama, Georgia, you know, SEC teams.” Bryant, who sees himself as a leader on the team, added, “Growing up as a kid, you dream of times like this. It’s very special.”

To prepare for the anticipated noise of Autzen Stadium, cheers and jeers replaced the usual music at Memorial Stadium during practice on Tuesday. While underclassmen in the nearby Ikenberry dorms may have considered filing noise complaints, the players view this preparation as crucial for success on game day.

“It’s definitely worth it,” Scott remarked about the simulated crowd noise. “Just the crowd noise in the stadium makes it hard to communicate verbally. You have to use signals and get closer to your teammates to know what’s going on.”

This strategy is not new for the Illini; they previously utilized crowd noise to prepare for road games at Nebraska and Penn State. However, Bryant acknowledged that while the practice helps, nothing can truly replicate the intensity of a full stadium. “Having those big speakers prepares you a little bit, but at the end of the day, it can’t excel what Oregon has,” he said. He noted that in such loud environments, communication with quarterback Luke Altmyer becomes “facemask-to-ear.” “It prepares you enough for nonverbal communication, but once you get on the road, it’s all about poise,” he added.

Earlier this month, Autzen Stadium set an attendance record of 60,129 during a top-three matchup against Ohio State, highlighting the formidable challenge awaiting Illinois.

Kickoff against the Ducks is set for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the game will be broadcast on CBS. As the Illini look to make a statement on the national stage, their preparation for this high-stakes environment could prove pivotal in their quest for victory.