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Lovie Smith confident in Brandon Peters as Illinois QB, team leader
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During Lovie Smith’s tenure as the head coach at Illinois, there’s been some serious issues at the game’s most important position.
Transfers, injuries and inconsistent play have plagued the Illini over the last three seasons. Now, with former four-star and Michigan quarterback Brandon Peters the starter in Champaign, there’s a strong belief that Illinois finally has some certainty at the position.
While meeting with the media on Monday, head coach Lovie Smith expressed a lot of confidence in Peters, not only as the starting quarterback, but as a team leader, as well.
“Brandon Peters will lead our team,” Smith said, according to Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer. “Love everything about him. He can throw it. He can run. He’s moving into a leadership role quickly.”
#illini Lovie: Brandon Peters will lead our team. Love everything abuot him. He can throw it. He can run. He's moving into a leadership role quickly.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) August 26, 2019
Peters will be expected to improve Illinois’ passing attack, which has been a serious issue for the Illini. If the air strike can complement the rushing game, there’s no reason the Illini can’t challenge for bowl eligibility this fall.
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And it sounds like Smith is confident he’s got the right guy under center to get the job done.
Illinois will open the season on Saturday against Akron. The Illini are opening as a 17-point favorite in the contest.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB