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ESPN’s Jesse Palmer hands out helmet sticker for massive performance by Isaiah Williams

Scott Schultz

By Scott Schultz

Published:

The last time Illinois found the win column was over a year ago, on Nov. 9, 2019, when the Illini upset Michigan State 37-34.

A seven-point underdog heading into Saturday’s game with Rutgers, Illinois ended its six-game losing streak with a 23-20 win over the Scarlet Knights, led by a backup, redshirt-freshman quarterback.

Isaiah Williams was the fourth different starting quarterback in four games for Illinois, and in his first career start ran for a quarterback school-record 192 yards on 31 carries, including a 3-yard touchdown run. He had missed the Illini’s last two games due to contact-tracing protocols.

Williams’ received his helmet sticker for his play on the day by ESPN’s Jesse Palmer:

Illinois starting quarterback Brandon Peters had to miss his third game Saturday after being diagnosed with COVID-19 following the Wisconsin game. Peters was on the sidelines at the Rutgers game and is expected to play against Nebraska this Saturday.

With Williams’ running skills, expect the Illini to mix up the throwing and running game from behind center.

Scott Schultz

Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.