Only four players in the nation have double digit receiving touchdowns this season: Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) Jesse Legree (Oregon State) Malachi Toney (Miami) Collin Dixon (Illinois)

Illinois is 25-3 when scoring the last points of the first half and the first points of the second half during Bret Bielema’s six seasons.

Bielema won as an underdog for the 15th time at Illinois, the second-most underdog wins in the nation since he took over in 2021. Only Old Dominion has won more games as an underdog since 2021 (16). Illinois improved to 8-2 following bye weeks under Bielema.

Michael Clayton II became the third true freshman quarterback in Illinois history to win a game as the starter, joining Juice Williams at Michigan State in 2006 and Kurt Kittner at Northwestern in 1998.

Illinois has beaten at least one ranked team in three straight seasons for the first time since an eight-year run from 1988-95.

Bret Bielema set the Illini record for wins in a head coach’s first six seasons with his 41st victory at Illinois. Illinois improved to 15-4 at Gies Memorial Stadium over the last three seasons.

Illinois handed Oregon its first Big Ten road loss since the Ducks joined the conference in 2024.

FINAL: Illinois 21, Oregon 10

Entering Week 8, only UTEP QB Raymond Moore III had multiple rushing TDs of 75+ yards this season.

Abney's second receiving TD of his collegiate career and his first since scoring for Ball State vs. Western Michigan (10/5/2024).

Laughery's second-longest rush of his career after breaking 77-yard TD run earlier this season vs. Southern Illinois.

Michael Clayton II became the sixth true freshman QB to start a game in Illinois history and the first since M.J. Rivers II at Maryland (10/27/2018). M.J. Rivers II (2018, 3G) Cam Thomas (2017, 2G) Aaron Bailey (2013, 1G) Juice Williams (2006, 9G) Kurt Kittner (1998, 5G)

Illinois offensive starters vs. Oregon QB 7 Michael Clayton II RB 21 Aidan Laughery WR 13 Hudson Clement WR 17 Collin Dixon WR 11 Brayden Trimble TE 86 Christian Abney LT 71 Nathan Knapik LG 70 Maika Matelau C 59 Jake Renfro RG 75 Brandon Henderson RT 66 Brandon Hansen

Illinois defensive starters vs. Oregon DB 7 Matthew Bailey DB 0 Mac Resetich DB 6 Juice Clarke DB 16 Tanner Heckel DB 1 Xavier Scott LB 26 Ismael Kante LB 4 Daniel Brown LB 10 James Kreutz DL 43 Joe Barna DL 90 Carter Janki DL 52 Pat Farrell

Final from State Farm Center.

Halftime: #3 Illinois 44, Baylor 63

Final: Illinois 105, Cincinnati 96

Halftime: Illinois 54, Cincinnati 49

End of regulation: Illinois 31, Michigan State 31