“Success only counts if you are satisfied, but our team is not.”

Teams take on the personality of their leader. Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning is known for his enthusiasm and attention to detail. Facing the 20th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini, the Ducks displayed both of these qualities in dominant fashion from the opening whistle to the final whistle, defeating the Fighting Illini 38-9 at sold-out Autzen Stadium.

“Success only counts if you're happy, and our team isn't that,” coach Dan Lanning said after the game.

It was an outstanding day for the entire team, but especially for Gabriel, who passed Boise State legend Kellen Moore for second all-time in passing touchdowns that night and Hawaii legend Timmy Chang for second all-time in passing touchdowns Passing yards overtook. The Oregon signal-caller is entering the Heisman conversation with a mark of 18/26 for 291 yards and four total touchdowns.

Lanning had high praise for his quarterback after the game, and it seems like Gabriel has also adopted his coach's mindset of constantly evolving.

“They played some zone coverages, which meant you had to do progression measurements. I thought Dillon did a really good job tonight,” Lanning said. “You know, they changed the picture a little bit, except for one play. But that's what will happen when you see more zone, you have to find the soft zone and attack it. And he did it well.” again on the bench.

This team has made its goals clear in the offseason and has not escaped the expectations that come with it. The Oregon Ducks are the top-ranked team in the country and play like it. After a slow start to the season, Oregon is expected to steadily improve each week and is seeing that focus pay off. This team doesn't just play hard; They play until the whistle. It's impressive that Lanning has such a talented team that sells out every week.

There was so much talk about Oregon making the transition to the Big Ten in the offseason and during the non-conference slate earlier in the season. Physicality, weekly attrition and whether Oregon could keep up with a variance or weekly play styles were serious questions surrounding the team. Lanning was successful overall, but the concern about winning big games remained. Just eight weeks into the season, Oregon has answered them all.

“It felt really good, you know. When I just woke up, I kind of felt it today, just with the vibe around the guys. But I'm proud of how everyone played and how we came together. That connection, it's all three phases, so I'm proud of all of them,” quarterback Dillion Gabriel said in the post-game on-field interview with CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell.

Oregon still has tough tests on its schedule like the Michigan Wolverines, Wisconsin Badgers and Washington Huskies, but there's no doubt their toughest challenges are behind them at this point. Therein lies the challenge for these employees and this team. Anyone can be beaten. No team in the country is invincible. The biggest question remains whether this team can continue to grow without distractions.

Dan Lanning is 30-5 overall as a head coach. Dillon Gabriel is firmly in the Heisman Trophy conversation. Oregon is the top-ranked team. But putting aside any stats or potential accolades, this Ducks team appears to be the best team in the country, and more importantly, they believe they are.