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Illinois Football: Illini QB job up for grabs between AJ Bush and MJ Rivers

By Rees Woodcock

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 20: Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback M.J. Rivers II (8) throws a pass during an college football game between the Illinois fighting Illini and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 20th, 2018 at the Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. Wisconsin defeats Illinois 49-20. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 20: Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback M.J. Rivers II (8) throws a pass during an college football game between the Illinois fighting Illini and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 20th, 2018 at the Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. Wisconsin defeats Illinois 49-20. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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After a blowout loss and a quarterback change mid-game, the Illinois football team still isn’t ready to name a starting quarterback.

In Lovie Smith’s weekly press conference, he stated that there was a change in the Wisconsin game because that is what he thought would help the team in that game. That doesn’t necessarily mean that is permanent moving forward.

Lovie went on to say that practice will determine who starts on Saturday. I am guessing that Illinois fans probably won’t know who the starter is until there is less than an hour until game time. That is when I would bet we find out who is leading this Illini team onto the field. But, who do you think should start?

Let’s first take a look at what both AJ Bush and MJ Rivers bring to the table as far as running is concerned. Bush is a dynamic runner who can change the field with his legs, at times. He has rushed for 329 yards on 69 carries this season, which comes out to 4.8 yards per carry. He also has three touchdowns as well.

Rivers isn’t the runner that Bush is. He has only rushed the ball 38 times for 42 yards, which is a 1.1 yards per carry average. He has also failed to see the end zone with his legs. But, Rivers’ passing is better than Bush’s ability to pass.

Rivers has thrown the ball for 502 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He has done this fairly efficiently with a completion rate of 61.6-percent. Bush isn’t too far behind with 492 yards on the season, but he has only thrown for one touchdown and has thrown three interceptions. He also has a completion rate of 51.9-percent.

When Bush is behind center, the Illinois offense has a better running attack than when Rivers is behind center. But, they are extremely limited. They can run the ball but that is the only thing in their repertoire. When Rivers is taking the snaps, Illinois has the threat of running still with Reggie Corbin and Mike Epstein, but then you can add the throwing threat. I trust the arm of Rivers more than I do Bush.

Next. 3 observations from the Illini loss to Wisconsin. dark

Illinois becomes more of a balanced offense with Rivers in the game. That is why I want to see him starting this weekend against Maryland.

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