Illinois football suffers big deficit and injuries in first half against Oregon

No. 20 Illinois suffered a tough first-half loss to Oregon on Saturday. The Ducks scored all but one touchdown on all of their first-half possessions, while the Illini sputtered, scoring a field goal — and almost nothing else. However, the 35-3 score is just the beginning of Illinois' woes: some Illini were damaged in the process.

Elzy was the Illini's best offensive hope throughout the first half. He broke through downfield — as open as any Illini pass catcher managed to get all the way through the half — but quarterback Luke Altmyer didn't see him. Injury Insult: Elzy collapsed to the ground shortly afterwards due to an apparent knee injury and was rescued from the pitch.

This appeared to be a freak accident. To avoid getting into a pileup, Patterson jumped over a mass of bodies, caught his foot and then appeared to dislocate his knee as he tried to regain his balance.

Stress. What are the chances? Actually, we have no idea what the diagnosis is, but after lying down for a tackle just before half-time, Strain grabbed him by the ankle as he lay on the turf and hobbled to the sideline with help.

More information will follow as it becomes available.

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