Illinois Football: 4 observations from the Illini loss to Northwestern

Another Saturday is in the books and the Illinois football team endured another painful loss, this time it was to our rivals Northwestern, 28-10.

The Illini offense couldn’t get going and the defense was softer than a brand new blanket. Nothing went right for this program, and the slide against the Wildcats continued.

Here are four observations from the Illini loss to Northwestern.

1. Isaiah Williams should be the quarterback

Why is this even a thing anymore? Isaiah Williams is by far the best option Illinois has at quarterback. There isn’t a question about it anymore.

The main argument against Williams was that he couldn’t pass the ball as well as Brandon Peters. Honestly, I am not sure if this is the case.

We know what Peters is as a quarterback. His best completion percentage in a season is 58.1-percent, and that is coming this year when he hasn’t even thrown 100 passes yet. The kid has a below-average arm and legs that can surprise people at times. But, honestly, he is a below-average quarterback.

And then you look at Williams who is really starting to get some playing time this season. He only has a completion percentage of 37.8-percent, which isn’t good. But you don’t have a full sample size of the kid. You don’t know what he can do on the field because he has only thrown 37 passes, and he only has one start under center.

Williams’ passing will improve because the speed of the game will get better for him. But the thing that really sets him apart from Peters right now is his running ability. Being able to break big plays is huge for this Illinois offense. Offensive coordinator Rod Smith wants to run the ball, so let’s run the ball. Williams is the answer.