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Illinois Football: 4 observations from the Illini win over Rutgers

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 14, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith walks on the field during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith walks on the field during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Isaiah Williams (1) rushes for a touchdown as Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Mike Tverdov (97) is blocked by running back Mike Epstein (26) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

The Illinois football team played in a must-win game on Saturday against Rutgers and came out victorious.

Many thought Rutgers was going to win the game given the 10-0 head start, but the Illini came charging back led by their first-time starting quarterback and a defense that had something to prove. Illinois won the game on a game-winning field goal, 23-20.

Here are four observations from the Illini win over Rutgers.

1. Isaiah “Flash” Williams has earned another start

Ladies and gentlemen, the Illinois football program has another Isaiah Williams behind center. This version of Isaiah could potentially be even better.

Williams, also nicknamed by myself as “Flash”, was sensational against Rutgers on Saturday afternoon. He was not the best through the air, only completing 7-of-18 passes. But Williams did manage to hit the 104-yard mark and, more importantly, he didn’t throw an interception.

The arm isn’t what people are talking about when it comes to Williams, though. The legs of the young St. Louis native is what really set the world on fire.

Williams rushed the ball 31 times for 192 yards and 1 touchdown. This wasn’t just a great running performance by Williams, though. He ended up breaking the Illinois all-time quarterback rushing record which was set by AJ Bush back in 2018.

The legs of Williams helped extend multiple drives and is one of the reasons why Illinois was 7-of-16 on third down conversions, which is by far the best this season.

I believe Williams should get another start. Brandon Peters is back next week, but the performance by Williams should earn him another go at it against Nebraska. This kid will get better through the air, but for right now, let him make plays. He is a playmaker.

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