Coach Bret Bielema's Illinois Fighting Illini hit the road to face Michigan State, just weeks after defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck resigned. Illinois QB Katin Houser has been arguably the team's best player, completing a Hail Mary to Ty Robinson earlier in the season and racking up passing yards.

Houser was replaced by Michael Clayton II after breaking his right (throwing) hand in Illinois' 38-37 overtime win over the Spartans, leading to comments from Bielema on whether or not he will return this season.

“Michael Clayton II came in with Katin Houser injured and led Illinois to (an) OT win over Michigan State,” Pete Nakos of On3.com said. “Bret Bielema unsure if Houser will be back this season.”

Houser had 194 yards passing with one touchdown and one interception in a hostile road environment against his former team. His Spartans counterpart Alessio Milivojevic had 196 yards and two passing touchdowns as his team fell to 2-4 on the season and Illinois moved to 3-3.

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Clayton II passed eight times, completing six of them for 88 yards and a touchdown, showing promise heading into Week 7 for coach Bielema's team. The Fighting Illini were again without the services of Jayshon Platt, a receiver who came over from the Florida Atlantic Owls this offseason and was expected to be a key contributor. Hudson Clement continued his recent surge, catching six passes for 105 yards and a touchdown to lead all receivers.

Bielema is a huge fan of the way Indiana won the championship last season and had championship hopes for his team this season and beyond. Houser hasn't done what Fernando Mendoza did for the Hoosiers last season, but he has played among the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten and would be a huge loss if he isn't able to continue this season.