There have been some good vibes with the Illinois football program the last few weeks.
It was tough when the Illini lost starting quarterback Katin Houser to an injury late in the third quarter against Michigan State. That game was on October 10. Houser broke his hand and had surgery. After the game, Bret Bielema said, “he’ll be out for a considerable amount of time.”
Michael Clayton II stepped into the job, and he led Illinois to a win over Michigan State. He got a bye week to prepare for Oregon. Illinois won that game, too. A week later, Clayton had a chance to win his second consecutive start and third game in a row. Until he didn’t.
In a surprise, Illinois started Houser against Maryland on Saturday. This was a shocker, considering surgery on a broken hand just took place three weeks ago. Also, it is Houser’s throwing hand. Why push Houser to start this soon?
The result in the first half was dismal.
Houser, understandably, couldn’t get anything going. He was off target quite often, going 11-of-19 for 134 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Even when there were catches, the ball wasn’t on target.
Collin Dixon had a nice catch down the left sideline. It was a massively underthrown ball. Houser couldn’t hit his man where the ball needed to be. On top of that, the timing was off for Houser and his pass catchers.
With the struggles from the passing game, Illinois only scored seven points. Mind you, Maryland has a terrible defense. They average giving up 38.8 points per game, which ranks No. 132 out of 138 teams in the FBS.
What is even more shocking is that the Illinois defense saved this game throughout the first half
Houser has taken a lot of hits in the game so far, and one was to his hand when it hit a Maryland player’s helmet. The hand itself has some type of wrap. It is clearly hindering him.
Thankfully, Illinois’ defense has played their best game of the season. They have saved our biscuit on so many occasions in this contest.
On the first drive of the game, Houser threw an interception. Maryland had the ball at our one-yard line. The Illini forced a fumble.
Mayland was up 7-0, and they were driving again. Illinois’ offense can’t move the ball, so the defense has been on the field a lot. Instead of giving up more points, the Illini managed to get an interception on the Terrapins.
I don’t understand why Houser has been thrown back into action. He is hurt. I know it is his last season in the college ranks, but not only are you jeopardizing the 2026 season, but you could also be putting Houser at further risk of injury. I don’t agree with this decision at all, and the ramifications are being shown on the field in the first 30 minutes.
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