Oregon has 3 quarterbacks who could start Saturday. Illinois has a freshman who's never started before
However, while Oregon can turn to junior Dylan Raiola — a Nebraska transfer with 23 career starts — and senior Brock Thomas, Illinois is relying on freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II, who will make his first start against the Ducks.
Key points
- Illinois is most familiar with Raiola, who, as a Nebraska freshman in 2024, passed for 297 yards, three touchdowns and one….
- Illinois head coach Bret Bielema celebrates their overtime win over Michigan State as he walks off the field after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct.
- Lanning said he’s confident in all four quarterbacks, including sophomore Akili Smith Jr., who had a play package ready for Nebraska if needed.
(AP Photo/Lon Horwedel) AP Photo/Lon Horwedel AP Photo/Lon Horwedel Now Illinois heads into Saturday’s game against a resurgent Oregon defense, trying to get Clayton up to speed.
Additional details
- Thomas started Saturday’s 17-14 home win over Nebraska, but struggled for three quarters before Lanning turned to Raiola.
- “So you prepare and then you make sure you have answers for what you think that skill set is.” If Moore doesn’t return this week, Raiola and Thomas will compete for the starting job against Illinois.
- Michigan State Spartans defensive back Charles Brantley (4) tackles Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Collin Dixon (17) in a Big 10 football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich.
- Bielema has leaned heavily on transfer quarterbacks during his six years at Illinois, including Houser.
- The Oregon Ducks will face a team on Saturday with an even less desirable quarterback situation.
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →
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