Overview
- The Big Ten availability report released Wednesday, Oct. 21 lists quarterback Dante Moore out for a third straight game as he continues to recover from a concussion.
- Multiple outlets report Dylan Raiola is expected to start for Oregon on Saturday but the school has not officially named a starter and the QB spot remains unsettled after recent rotational play with Brock Thomas.
- Oregon faces widespread absences at receiver and other positions with leading pass-catcher Evan Stewart listed out and facing a legal charge while Jeremiah McClellan, Messiah Hampton and Jalen Lott are also on the out list.
- Illinois will likely start freshman Michael Clayton II after Katin Houser’s hand injury, changing Illinois’ offensive look and forcing Oregon to prepare for a different quarterback style on the road in Champaign.
- Oregon is 4-2 and has scored far fewer points without Moore, so a loss on Saturday would badly damage realistic College Football Playoff chances and increase pressure on the backup QB, the offensive line, and the remaining skill players to stabilize the offense.