Oct. 23—CHAMPAIGN — Bret Bielema is aware of who can be enjoying quarterback for Illinois on Saturday: Michael Clayton II making his first begin towards Oregon. (Try Scott Richey's story on B-1).
And Bielema is aware of who received't be enjoying for Oregon … once more. Dante Moore, who entered the season as a Heisman Trophy contender will miss his third consecutive begin after struggling a concussion towards Southern California.
On the Huge Ten's mandated damage report launched Wednesday, Moore was listed as out.
"I don't know for those who guys (media) know this, however as quickly as you record somebody as out on a Wednesday, they’ll't play," Bielema stated Thursday on the Smith Middle.
Which means both Nebraska switch Dylan Raiola or Brock Thomas will begin for the 4-2 Geese.
"Going into (Wednesday's apply) we clearly didn't get the report till (Wednesday night time), so that you thought you needed to play for all three," Bielema stated.
The ball is now in Oregon offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer's court docket.
"As a coordinator, he was a man that actually caters to the strengths of his soccer crew," Bielema stated. "It's a bit little bit of catch all. What you've obtained to do is notice the quarterback's in cost, however I believe the offensive coordinator is accountable for the place the ball's going. They've obtained actually good gamers in any respect positions.
Raiola got here off the bench Saturday towards Nebraska to guide the Geese to a 17-14 victory after Oregon had seven punts and solely scored two area targets via three quarters with Thomas because the starter at QB.
For the season, Raiola has accomplished 64.4 % of his passes for 515 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. Thomas, in the meantime, is 23 for 40 throwing with 226 passing yards together with one landing and one interception.
Neither Raiola or Thomas are threats as runners.
Huge stakes
Illinois is searching for its first profitable streak of the season. Earlier victories towards UAB and Southern Illinois have been adopted by losses to Duke and Ohio State.
Illinois is coming off an time beyond regulation win at Michigan State, which was adopted by its lone open week of the season.
Oregon is enjoying in Champaign for the primary time since 1993. A controversial fumble name in that sport helped the Geese escape with a 13-7 win.
"I believe our followers can be excited," Bielema stated. "I'm certain we'll have an important crowd. Tremendous excited for the second."
Creating holes
The Brandons (Henderson and Hansen) are settling in on the best facet of the offensive line at guard and deal with, respectively.
"There's not a child I beloved extra within the recruiting course of than Brandon Hansen," Bielema stated. "He's been right here a pair years and I saved looking for a method to attain him."
Bielema credit offensive line coach Bart Miller.
"Bart's doing a particularly good job," Bielema stated. "Over the past two weeks, he had not solely performed nicely, however he had practiced nicely. His maturity."
The stable work by the Brandons permits Illinois to maintain Nathan Knapik at left deal with, the place he’s extra snug.
On his thoughts
On Wednesday, Bielema reached out to Mike Locksley, who was fired by Maryland in the midst of his eighth season with the Terrapins posting a 39-54 document throughout his time in Faculty Park, Md., and presently on a 12-game Huge Ten shedding streak.
"Locks and I are extraordinarily shut," Bielema stated. "He's a man that I really like on this career. He and I are on a pair committees collectively."
Bielema understands what Locksley goes via.
"As a coach, I've been let go," Bielema stated. "I grew essentially the most the second anyone advised me I wasn't ok. I've at all times opened my coronary heart and opened my ideas to guys which are in that scenario."
Bielema talked to Clay Helton after he was fired by Southern Cal and requested him to go to Illinois.
With Maryland on the Illinois schedule on Oct. 31, don't anticipate Locksley on campus within the coming weeks.
"I believe Locks is a particularly gifted (coach)," Bielema stated. "Maryland did what they needed to do, however it's sadly a part of the enterprise we're in. The least particular person I'm fearful about is Locks. He's extraordinarily gifted, extraordinarily gifted human being."
