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Illinois Football: 4 observations from the Illini loss to UTSA

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 4, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; UTSA Roadrunners quarterback Frank Harris (0) is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Tarique Barnes (44) and teammates during Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; UTSA Roadrunners quarterback Frank Harris (0) is tackled by Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Tarique Barnes (44) and teammates during Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Isaiah Williams (1) talks with quarterback Brandon Peters (18) 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 quarterback Isaiah Williams (1) talks with quarterback Brandon Peters (18) during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Isaiah Williams has a chance to be special

I always loved having Isaiah Williams at quarterback because he was so dynamic with the ball. If the wide receiver was covered, he would pull the ball down and run for miles. That athleticism is showing now that he is a wide receiver.

In his first game as a wide receiver, Williams caught six passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. It was a good first game for the speedy pass catcher, but his second game was even more impressive.

On Saturday night, Williams went for eight catches for 101 yards receiving. He was electric as a wide receiver and is showing why he was a top 200 recruit in his class. This kid has been as advertised for the Orange and Blue.

So, through two games, Williams is average 71 yards per game. If he can keep that average, he would end the 2021 campaign with 852 yards receiving. As a first-year wide receiver, that would be an extremely impressive season.

The Illinois passing game is starting to pick up some steam, and you have to give credit to Williams for a lot of the success. He continues to play well each week, and he puts the program in positions to win. Look for Williams to end up on one of the All-Big Ten teams this season.

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