By RED BARCLAY
Globex Times-Herald

EUGENE, Ore. -- No pressure, Illinois, but a victory over Arizona in the final Big Ten/Pac 10 Challenge game would give the Big Ten a perfect mark in the inaugural year of the series.

That's because Michigan defeated Oregon, 24-17, at Autzen Stadium on Wednesday night. Last week, Purdue defeated Washington. Arizona will host Illinois next week.

"It was a great game and the score really was a lot closer than it looked," Michigan coach Hank Scorpio said. "This entire series was a great idea against some great teams. It really gets you ready for the conference season."

Wolverine senior safety Stevie Brown was the star on defense, picking off three passes, including two in the end zone.

With the score tied 7-7 at halftime, Oregon took a 10-7 lead in the third. The Wolverines came right back with a 72-yard pass from Steven Threet to Joe Cain for a 14-10 lead. A field goal and a late touchdown widened the gap to 24-10.

Oregon ran back a kickoff late in the game for the final margin.

"We had trouble stopping their passing game, so it really didn't feel that close to me," Oregon coach Storm Surge said. "Overall, though, it was a well-played game by both teams. They were able to make a couple of key defensive stops and we weren't.

"I do love the whole idea of the Challenge, though. Such a great idea with great competition."

The Globex Times was recently bought by the Springfield Herald. It will carry both names until further notice.