COLLEGE FOOTBALL : Fumble Helps Oregon Rally to Turn Back Illinois, 34-31
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EUEGENE, Ore. — Jaiya Figueras recovered a fumble in the end zone with 6:24 to play, rallying No. 24 Oregon to a 34-31 victory over Illinois, giving Coach Mike Belotti a win in his home coaching debut.
Figueras raced in on a blitz and sacked Illinois quarterback Johnny Johnson, forcing a fumble. The ball rolled into the end zone where Figueras pounced on it.
Joshua Smith missed the extra point, giving Illinois (0-2) a chance to tie the game.
On two possessions after Figueras scored, the Fighting Illini lost 12 yards on seven plays,10 coming on a sack of quarterback Johnson.
Oregon (2-0) trailed, 31-20, but pulled within 31-28 with 12:14 to play after Ricky Whittle scored from three yardsout.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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