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Clayton debuts, leads Illinois to win in overtime thriller against Michigan State

The Illinois Fighting Illini staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Michigan State 38–37 in overtime, capping off a game that shifted dramatically after starting quarterback Katin Houser suffered a season-ending injury late in the third quarter. Houser, who had thrown 18 of 21 passes in the first half—including a touchdown to Aidan Laughery—was forced out after throwing his fourth interception of the season and sustaining a hand injury.

With the Illini trailing, head coach Bret Bielema inserted true freshman Michael Clayton II, a three-star recruit from Orlando, Florida, who had yet to play a snap in Big Ten action. Clayton responded immediately, leading Illinois on a touchdown drive that included two 14-yard passes to Dixon and a key fourth-down stop to secure the lead before the Spartans could answer.

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