The Big Ten’s Wednesday availability report didn’t exactly bring good news to either sideline for Illinois vs. Oregon. Both teams are dealing with key absences, and the list gets especially glaring when you get to the quarterbacks.
For Oregon, the biggest issue remains Dante Moore. Since Moore went down with a concussion in the USC game, the Ducks’ offense has gone flat in a hurry. Over the two full games without him, Oregon has reached the end zone just four times and totaled only 32 points.
The backup plan hasn’t brought much relief. Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas have both gotten chances under center and neither has been able to steady the attack.
In those two games, neither has topped 200 passing yards, and both have thrown at least one interception. Together, they’ve gone 37-for-73 through the air over the last two outings.
Moore will sit again in Week 8, leaving Oregon to try to survive without its starting quarterback once more.
That only heightens the importance of the rest of the passing game, and Oregon is short-handed there too. Evan Stewart, who missed last week against Nebraska with an injury, leads the Ducks in receptions and receiving yards and is tied for the team lead in touchdowns even though he has played only five games.
On Sunday, Stewart was arrested in Oregon on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants. Whether he is out because of injury or because of that incident is unknown, but either way, he will not play Saturday.
Sophomore receiver Dakorien Moore is expected to be the next man up in the passing game.
Oregon’s list of unavailable players also includes receiver Jeremiah McClellan, quarterback Dante Moore, receiver Evan Stewart, defensive back Aaron Flowers, inside linebacker Brayden Platt, defensive lineman Matthew Johnson, offensive lineman Trent Ferguson, and offensive lineman Immanuel Iheanacho. Offensive lineman Kawika Rogers is questionable.
Illinois is not walking into this one at full strength either. The Illini will be without quarterback Katin Houser, running back Ca’Lil Valentine, linebacker Kayden Bennett, defensive lineman Carter Smith, offensive lineman Kai Pritchard, defensive lineman Demetrius John, offensive lineman TJ McMillen, and tight end BJ Thurman. Linebacker Jack Paris and receiver Jayshon Platt are listed as questionable.
Platt’s status is one to watch closely. Ahead of Illinois’ game at Michigan State, he was listed as probable throughout the week and still ended up not playing.
This time, though, the signal is more encouraging. Coach Bret Bielema said Monday, “Jayshon has been practicing.
So I think Jayshon is definitely trending in the right direction. Feel really good about that one.”
Platt was listed as probable on Wednesday, and that matters for Illinois because the wide receiver, who made two preseason watch lists and drew strong praise from the Illini staff all offseason, appears on track to finally make his debut. That would give freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II another weapon as he prepares for his first career start.
In Other News...
Oregon Needs Answers Fast As Dylan Raiola Faces Early Road Test
Oregons first trip to Champaign in 33 years arrives with more questions than comfort, and the Ducks are bringing a new quarterback situation into a road setting that should tell plenty about where this offense stands. Dylan Raiola is at the center of it for Oregon, while Illinois is turning to Michael Clayton II, leaving both sides to sort through offensive issues at a time when execution is likely to matter more than reputation.
The Ducks have to answer in a hurry on the line of scrimmage, where Oregons protection and Illinois ability to create pressure could end up shaping the game. On the other side, the Ducks will be watching closely to see how their defense handles Clayton II in his first start, because a clean performance there would go a long way toward stabilizing a matchup that already feels like it could hinge on patience and one or two mistakes. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon's Young Receivers Are Suddenly Central To Dylan Raiola's Next Test
With Dante Moore out, Oregons offense has had to lean on a different look at quarterback, with Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas sharing the load and keeping the Ducks moving while the staff manages injuries at both quarterback and receiver. That has pushed true freshmen into bigger roles sooner than expected, and the results have become part of the weekly blueprint rather than a temporary fix.
Jalen Lott and Messiah Hampton have both been asked to handle more, and Raiolas next test now comes with those young targets central to the plan. Dan Lanning has pointed to the way Oregons younger players have answered the call, noting how many snaps this season have gone to players who began their careers in Eugene, which says plenty about how much the Ducks are relying on development as much as depth right now. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon Fans Are Still Waiting On Clarity In Evan Stewart Case
The Evan Stewart situation has hung over Oregon for more than a week now, and the waiting game has only added to the uncertainty. Stewart was arrested on suspicion of DUII on Oct. 18, but prosecutors have not yet filed charges while they wait on evidence that could still take days or weeks to arrive. Separately, Springfield Police issued him a violation-level citation for driving while suspended, which is a different matter from the DUII allegation.
For now, the Ducks are left without a clear resolution, and there has been little public detail to work with. Coach Dan Lanning has acknowledged that a player was involved in an incident that did not meet program standards, but he stopped short of identifying Stewart or elaborating further. Until the legal process moves ahead, Oregon fans are still stuck waiting to see how the case will be handled inside the program. [Read more 🡒]