Illinois turns toward Clayton after Houser’s hand procedure

Illinois’ next game now comes with a quarterback transition. Coach Bret Bielema said Wednesday that Katin Houser is expected to miss four to six weeks after a procedure on his throwing hand, giving freshman Michael Clayton II time to prepare during the bye before Oregon visits October 24.

Adam Rittenberg reported Bielema’s Wednesday comments for ESPN. Houser was injured while trying to make a tackle following a third-quarter interception. Freshman Michael Clayton II replaced him and helped Illinois finish a 38-37 victory.

The new timetable comes during Illinois’ bye week. The team next hosts Oregon on October 24, giving Clayton time to prepare before the offense returns to conference play. The four-to-six-week estimate is an expected absence, rather than a fixed return date or clearance to play.

Bielema said he spoke with Clayton on Sunday about the responsibilities of being a starting quarterback in the Big Ten and in college football. His Wednesday remarks, as reported by Rittenberg, expressed excitement about the freshman’s opportunity.

Illinois’ official report from the Michigan State game records Clayton’s first collegiate pass attempts. He completed six of eight throws for 88 yards and two touchdowns, including the 25-yard overtime touchdown to Hudson Clement. Xavier Scott then broke up Michigan State’s two-point attempt to secure the win.

That relief appearance brought Illinois to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big Ten. Clayton now faces a longer stretch of preparation and game management than the emergency assignment that introduced him to the offense on Saturday.

Houser has thrown for 1,440 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions in six games this season, according to ESPN. Illinois must replace that production while its veteran starter recovers, with the Oregon game marking its first opportunity after Wednesday’s medical update.

Sources

ESPN: Houser four-to-six-week absence · Illinois Wins Overtime Thriller Against Michigan State, 38-37