The Oregon Ducks aren't the only team in the Big Ten turning to a backup quarterback in October. The Ducks will even benefit from facing a backup next week when they hit the road and travel to the Midwest.
Illinois quarterback Katin Houser started the first six games of the season for the Illini, but now he is set to miss significant time. Head coach Bret Bielema announced on Wednesday that Houser suffered a broken left hand in the team's overtime win last week against Michigan State. Although it is Houser's non-throwing hand, the senior quarterback is expected to miss four to six weeks after surgery.
In his stead, freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II became the problem fixer and led the Illini to a win over the Spartans. He will likely command the role again when the Ducks make their trip to Champaign next weekend. The Illini have a bye week this week, so Clayton will get extra time to work with the starters in practice before facing Oregon's defense.
Houser was a solid starter this season for Illinois, completing 66.3% of his passes and throwing for 1,440 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also ran for 120 yards. Clayton entered last week's game and completed 6-of-8 passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns. He threw the game-winning touchdown on the first play of overtime.
Illinois seems to have plenty of confidence in the freshman to lead the offense. Bielema previously named sophomore Carson Boyd as the backup, but when forced to make a decision, he turned to Clayton instead. Clayton is a former three-star recruit with multiple Power 4 offers. Standing at 6-foot-4, Clayton is a pocket passer who doesn't run much, but he is difficult to bring down.
The Illini need to win three more games to make a bowl game, and Clayton can use this runway to prove himself as the potential starter next season, so there is a lot on the line. After putting together a solid showing off the bench against Michigan State, Oregon has a little bit of tape on Clayton, who is set to make his first collegiate start against the Ducks on Oct. 24.
The Ducks still need to figure out their own quarterback situation as well. If Dante Moore doesn't return this week against Nebraska or next week against Illinois, Oregon will need to find a long-term solution with either Dylan Raiola or Brock Thomas.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Illinois QB Katin Houser sidelined with injury ahead of Oregon matchup