Clayton’s overtime throw and Scott’s stop save Illinois in 38-37 win at Michigan State

Michael Clayton II needed one overtime snap to put Illinois ahead. Xavier Scott needed one defensive play to keep it there. Clayton's 25-yard touchdown pass to Hudson Clement and Scott's breakup on Michigan State's two-point attempt gave the Illini a 38-37 victory Saturday in East Lansing.

Illinois improved to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big Ten after surrendering a 16-point third-quarter lead. Michigan State fell to 2-4 and 0-3, having recovered enough to force overtime and then chosen to play for the win after Jaziun Patterson's touchdown pulled it within one point.

The Spartans used a wildcat look on the conversion and tossed the ball to quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. His pass fell incomplete, with Illinois crediting Scott for the breakup. The stop made Bret Bielema 5-0 in overtime games at Illinois, according to the school's recap.

Clayton, a true freshman, entered after starter Katin Houser was injured while making a tackle following a third-quarter interception. Houser did not return. The Associated Press reported a left-hand injury; Illinois's recap confirmed the early exit without giving a further diagnosis.

Clayton completed six of eight passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns. His first scoring throw went 14 yards to Collin Dixon early in the fourth quarter. A successful two-point conversion put the Illini ahead 31-17, giving them another cushion after Michigan State had reduced a 23-7 deficit.

The Spartans answered with Milivojevic's 24-yard touchdown pass to Fredrick Moore. Then Illinois went for fourth-and-1 at its own 33, and Michigan State stopped Clayton's sneak with 3:27 remaining. Patterson finished the short-field possession with a 2-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 31 with 1:17 left.

Patterson rushed for 93 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries and also caught a touchdown pass. His third rushing score came from the 1 in overtime. Milivojevic completed 22 of 26 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, helping the Spartans turn an unproductive first half into a close finish.

Illinois had scored on its first five possessions. Houser, facing a program where he began his college career, completed 20 of 29 passes for 194 yards, a touchdown and an interception, and added a 2-yard rushing score. Ethan Moczulski made field goals from 40, 35 and 38 yards as the Illini built their early lead.

Clement finished with six catches for 105 yards, while Dixon caught seven passes for 62 yards and his ninth touchdown of the season. Aidan Laughery supplied 70 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown. Illinois gained 409 total yards to Michigan State's 342.

The Illini enter a bye before hosting Oregon on Oct. 24. Michigan State hosts Northwestern next Saturday, after a comeback that ended on the unsuccessful conversion rather than an extra-point attempt.