After a week off, Illinois is ready to welcome the Oregon Ducks into town for what was supposed to be a huge game against a ranked opponent. The Ducks haven't had the season many thought they would after starting ranked No. 2 in the preseason.
Illinois right now is struggling to get to the finish line, sitting at 3-3 without their starting quarterback, Katin Houser, who is out with a hand injury for four to six weeks. While this game against Oregon isn't as daunting as it looked to be at the beginning of the season, the Illini will roll out backup QB Michael Clayton II for his first career start, making this one more nerve-racking than anything else.
There have been some fluctuations in the betting line, but ultimately, the Illini are a big underdog to the Ducks, which makes sense with a 3-3 record and a backup quarterback taking over the offense.
Final odds for Oregon vs. Illinois in Week 8
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Oregon: -9.5 (-114)
- Illinois: +9.5 (-106)
Moneyline
- Oregon: -400
- Illinois: +310
Total
- O/U: 49.5 (-110/-110)
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.
Michael Clayton II will give Illinois a look into what the offense can be in the future
Losing Houser on a player he ultimately didn't have to make is what makes his injury hurt so much. In his first season with the Illini, he was putting up some great numbers, even with the defense not backing up the offense. Now, Clayton will be expected to step up, and luckily he has some good weapons around him.
Collin Dixon should be the first look Clayton has against Oregon, with the third-year back having a career season. Dixon leads the way for the Illini with 47 receptions for 608 yards and nine touchdowns. He is followed not so closely by Hudson Clement, who has 27 receptions for 404 yards and one touchdown, but has been making more noise in recent games.
The biggest upside to Clayton taking over for Houser while he is injured is that it gives head coach Bret Bielema a look at how he can perform in real game situations. If Clayton can handle the pressure and perform well, we could be looking at the future of the Illinois offense right now.
In either a win or a loss, this is perfect experience for Clayton in an offense that has been playing pretty well this season. While I don't see the Illini coming away with a win against the Ducks, who will be without QB Dante Moore again and wide receiver Evan Stewart, they should put up a good fight and at least make it close.
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