Illinois’ passing game is getting ‘Juiced’ up

The sophomore quarterback had his best game last week against Minnesota.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Juice Williams surprised himself last Saturday when he threw a career-high two touchdown passes and ran for another against Minnesota.

In Illinois’ 44-17 win over the Gophers, the sophomore quarterback completed a season-best 14-of-21 passes for 207 yards, and had probably the best day of his college career.

“I always try to set the bar high enough to a level where just in case I fall short, I will still be satisfied,” Williams said. “But I was finally able to see the field, see coverages.”

That was a big change for a quarterback whose passing numbers pale in comparison to every other Big Ten quarterback. Williams has completed 105 of his 187 passes — 56.1 percent. That’s a big improvement over his 39.5 percent completion rate last year, but he’s thrown nine interceptions and just eight touchdowns. His 1,138 yards is 10th among Big Ten quarterbacks.

And Williams’ success against Minnesota comes with a disclaimer. The Gophers are last in the conference in pass defense, giving up 319.7 yards a game.

Williams won’t find anything so generous Saturday when Illinois (7-3, 4-2) faces No. 1 Ohio State (10-0, 6-0) on the road.

The Buckeyes, ranked first in rushing and passing defense, have limited opponents to 65 yards per game on the ground and 156.2 yards through the air.

Illinois, primarily a running team, averages 413.9 yards of total offense a game, 261 of them on the ground.

“It’s going to be a difficult task going out there and trying to perform against those guys on the road at their house, but it’s something that’s very possible,” said Williams, who has never been to Ohio Stadium. “The only way we’re going to do it is if we go out there with a focused mind.”

To put up points against the Buckeyes, Williams said Illinois must follow the same plan it did against Minnesota, when he involved multiple receivers in the flow of the game. Williams said he wasn’t looking for a particular receiver, but instead was always in search of the open man.

Because Ohio State has smart, fast players, offensive lineman Martin O’Donnell said Illinois also must “block that much longer and be really assignment-sound when we’re playing.”

Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn thinks the Buckeyes will try to slow down the Illini’s option game and stack defenders inside, daring Williams to beat them in the air.

Coach Ron Zook said he’s also concerned about the Buckeyes’ ability to make plays on defense.

“This year, even though they only had four or five starters back, they’ve all played a lot of football. They are all so athletic and run to the ball so well.”

“You just hope you can make a few things happen to at least keep them off balance a little bit,” Zook added.