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No surprises: Illinois announces starting QB for Week 0 vs. Nebraska
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Brandon Peters has started 16 games for Illinois since 2019, along with 4 for the Michigan Wolverines, so it isn’t much of a surprise the Illini head coach Bruce Bielema made it clear in his Monday press conference that Peters would fill the QB1 slot on the depth chart to open the season.
#illini Bret Bielema: "Brandon Peters will be our QB1 for sure."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) August 23, 2021
Peters brings a host of experience to the table, with 2,313 yards over his two seasons in Champaign, finding the endzone 21 times for touchdowns as opposed to just 8 interceptions. He brings mobility in the pocket, along with the ability to scramble having also rushed for 349 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns during his time behind center.
In a testament to his talent, Peters was also named to the Golden Arm Watch List, which is presented by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Foundation. The award is presented annually to the top senior or upperclassman quarterback set to graduate that year.
This is the third career watch list for Peters who also attended the Manning Passing Academy over the summer.
The Illini open play against Nebraska on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
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.