The Illinois football team was put into a tough position a couple of weeks ago.
Late in the third quarter, Illini starting quarterback Katin Houser went down with an injury. Michael Clatyon II stepped in and led the Orange and Blue to a win.
This was against Michigan State, though. The Spartans are bad. Even with a bye week, Illinois had the monumental task of going up against Oregon this week. With a true freshman making his first start, just keeping the game close was top of mind.
Clayton didn’t just keep it close. He went out there and did what needed to be done to secure the victory. There are a lot of good things Clayton brings to the table, but there is one ability that pushed Illinois past the finish line.
Taking care of the football.
Yards, completions, completion percentage, touchdowns - all of those things are awesome. We all want those things. If you don’t take care of the football, none of those things matter. Just ask Jameis Winston.
Clayton was thrown into many tight situations. He didn’t buckle under the pressure. The only time he didn’t take care of the football was when the offensive line let up and the defense blindsided him.
Through the air, Clayton was flawless. He only had 84 yards, but he wasn’t asked to throw all over the field. When he was asked to throw, he was on point.
Clayton had a great touchdown pass to Collin Dixon. He managed to have touch in the short passing game to Christian Abney. These are the passes that Clayton’s counterpart, Dylan Raiola, couldn’t complete.
Moreover, Clayton didn’t give the Ducks life. He didn’t give them a chance to turn the momentum or the field. Clayton’s zero interceptions almost speak as loudly as his two touchdown passes.
Barry Lunney Jr. has a great game plan for Illinois football quarterbacks Michael Clayton II and Carson Boyd
There were only a few times I was frustrated in the game against Oregon. One of the times was when offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. called obvious run plays.
Whenever Carson Boyd was in the game, it was always a run. The Ducks knew this. He still managed to get 21 yards on four carries, which is impressive. I would have liked to see him throw the ball a little more to keep the defense on their heels.
I still think mixing Boyd into the game is a smart move, though. It changes the pace of the game, and it can throw off a defense. What Lunney did with Clayton and his efficiency, and then mixing in Boyd, was great. He knew his personnel, and it showed on the field.
Clayton is to remain the Illinois quarterback for the foreseeable future. He has earned this job. While all of his traits are phenomenal, the ability to care for the football is what made the difference in my eyes on Saturday.
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