The bye week could not have come at a better time for Illinois, given the injuries Bret Bielema's squad has suffered. While the Illini walked away with the win against Michigan State, there was still a feeling of loss with the injury to starting quarterback Katin Houser.
Houser left the game with a hand injury after tackling the Michigan State player who intercepted his pass late in the third quarter. Bielema said a few days later that Houser would be out for four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on his hand, which means this offense is now in the hands of backup Michael Clayton II.
Clayton got some good experience with the Illini offense playing the entire fourth quarter and in overtime, and now, with the extra time to prepare during the bye week, he draws the Oregon Ducks in his first game as the starter.
It doesn't look like the oddsmakers are giving Clayton and the Illini much of a chance against the Ducks, even with the way Oregon has looked at times this season.
Early odds for Illinois vs. Oregon in Week 8
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Oregon: -8.5 (-112)
- Illinois: +8.5 (-108)
Moneyline
- Oregon: -330
- Illinois: +260
Total
- O/U: 50.5 (-112/-108)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Illinois comes into this matchup as an 8.5-point underdog, but that is better than where this line opened, as it moved Monday morning from 9.5. Even though the Ducks haven't looked as strong without starting quarterback Dante Moore, who has been sidelined with a concussion after a disgusting hit in the USC game back in late September, oddsmakers don't give Illinois much hope.
The Ducks are coming off a close win over Nebraska in what was a late night for the Cornhusker fans watching at home, while Illinois is coming off a week of rest and lots of preparations with a new QB. The Illinois defense has not looked like itself this season, and hopefully, with an extra week of work, they will be able to stop whoever starts at QB for the Ducks.
Oregon's offense seems to take another hit as news broke Monday morning of wide receiver Evan Stewart's arrest on DUI charges. Stewart has been the leading receiver for the Ducks this season, but missed the game against Nebraska due to an undisclosed injury. Oregon has yet to comment on the news.
Could this be the reason for the betting line change? Who knows, but Illinois may not have to account for Stewart on Saturday, depending on how head coach Dan Lanning chooses to address the situation.
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