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Illinois Football: 2020 vs 2007 Illini quarterback comparison

By Rees Woodcock

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 27: Juice Williams #7 of the Illinois Fighting Illini throws a pass during the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on November 27, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 27: Juice Williams #7 of the Illinois Fighting Illini throws a pass during the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium on November 27, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 09: Brandon Peters #18 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates a 37-34 come from behind win against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 09, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 09: Brandon Peters #18 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates a 37-34 come from behind win against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 09, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Clutch

This is the most interesting category of them all. The clutch factor in each of these quarterbacks is fairly high.

Williams had a few big wins while in Champaign but none bigger than the upset over No. 1 Ohio State. That season, Illinois defeated three ranked teams in No. 1 Ohio State, No. 5 Wisconsin and No. 21 Penn State. That is an impressive run.

Most of the time, Illinois was winning despite not getting a ton of production from the quarterback position. But in that Ohio State game, the Illini needed Williams and he delivered with four touchdowns on the day.

Peters didn’t shrink in the big moments either. While the completion percentage wasn’t high for the talented transfer, the big moments came easy for him.

Illinois’ biggest win came against No. 6 Wisconsin in 2019. Down nine points in the fourth quarter, Peters led Illinois to a scoring drive on a 29-yard touchdown pass to Josh Imatorbhebhe. Peters kept the next drive alive with his passing and Illinois won on a game-winning field goal.

This wasn’t the only big moment for Peters in 2019. Down 28-3 late in the second quarter against Michigan State, Peters led a giant comeback. A touchdown pass to end the first half and then a barrage of scoring in the fourth quarter capped off by a pass in the end zone to Daniel Barker, sealed one of the greatest comebacks in program history.

This one is tough, but I would go with Peters when it comes to the clutch gene. He had a huge part in multiple big-time wins this past season for Illinois. While Williams was great in the Ohio State game, the rushing attack is what really set them apart.

Peters > Williams

Projected Illini depth chart on offense for 2020. dark. Next

When it comes down to it, Williams and Peters are two different quarterbacks but kind of the same. Both have a solid clutch gene. The legs of Williams were better than Peters. I like Peters accuracy a little better. I believe Peters will have a better final year in Champaign than Williams ever had, though. If I had to choose between the two, I would take Peters. But, honestly, they are both great options.

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