The Illini (3-3, 1-2) earned their first Big Ten victory over the Michigan State Spartans (2-4, 0-3) Saturday. Illinois managed a one-point overtime win despite a rocky second half that included losing its starting quarterback, fifth-year Katin Houser.

There were plenty of highlights to go around, like freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II throwing his first and second touchdown passes. However, there were some concerns as well.

Second-half struggles … again

Much like previous games this season, Illinois’ offense was efficient in the first half. Four drives resulted in four scores: two touchdowns and two field goals. 

However, just like many games this year, the Illini looked much less poised in the second half. Five drives ended in a field goal, an interception, a touchdown, a turnover on downs and a punt. On the final drive, with a chance to win the game, Illinois only managed to gain two yards before punting it away.

The second-half issues have been a frustrating trend throughout the season. It happened in the game against Duke, which resulted in a loss, and in the game against Southern Illinois, a victory for Illinois.

While things worked out against the Spartans — in large part thanks to an overtime touchdown — it’s not sustainable. Houser has been very solid, but he’s also played a part in those struggles. All four of the quarterback’s interceptions came in the second half, and three of them in close-game situations.

While it isn’t all on Houser’s shoulders, a new quarterback could help break the second-half hiccups.

Sack lunch for defense

For the first time all season, Illinois’ defense recorded more than one sack in a game. 

Early in the first quarter, Michigan State attempted to run a flea flicker. Redshirt senior running back Jaziun Patterson flipped the ball back to redshirt sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. Almost immediately, though, fifth-year linebacker James Kreutz came flying in and brought Milivojevic down for a sack.

Fast forward to the end of the fourth quarter, and fifth-year linebacker Daniel Brown got his first sack of the season. With just 20 seconds left in regulation, the Spartans had a chance to break the 31-31 tie. However, Milivojevic couldn’t find a receiver downfield, and Brown brought him down, sending the game to overtime.

Until Saturday’s game, the Illini had one or fewer sacks in every game this season. It’s a promising sign for an Illinois defense tied for the sixth-fewest sacks in the nation.

The future is now

After Houser exited Saturday’s game with a hand injury, Clayton took the field with a 23-17 lead. The true freshman didn’t miss a beat, completing three of his four passes for 52 yards and a touchdown on his first drive.

However, Michigan State scored on its next two drives, tying the game at 31 apiece and sending it to overtime. Once again, Clayton rose to the challenge.

On the first play of overtime, he fired a touchdown pass to fifth-year wide receiver Hudson Clement. The Spartans answered with a touchdown, but fifth-year defensive back Xavier Scott broke up the 2-point attempt to seal the victory.

With Houser out for a “considerable amount of time,” according to head coach Bret Bielema, it seems like Clayton will take the reins. The freshman will have a chance to prove his worth in the coming games, and he’ll have an extra week to prepare with Illinois on its bye week.

It’s clear that he’s proven himself to the coaching staff, as he finished the game over sophomore Carson Boyd. Clayton and Boyd were both options for the backup quarterback spot, according to Bielema earlier in the season. However, the freshman beat out Boyd, who has a year at Illinois under his belt. 

While Clayton helped the Illini win Saturday, he might also be the long-term answer at quarterback. Getting him some run early in his career could strengthen his confidence and make him the clear top option for next season.

For now, though, there are six more games to play, and most of them will likely feature Clayton under center.

@ben_some16 

[email protected]

About the Contributors