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Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Minnesota

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback John Paddock (4) celebrates his touchdown throw during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback John Paddock (4) celebrates his touchdown throw during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Isaiah Williams’ fumble is now erased

Let me tell you, when Illinois threw to Isaiah Williams for the first down and then he fumbled, I yelled. Not just like, oh come on, yell. I screamed. I screamed, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

It was a great defensive play by the Minnesota player. As a Chicago Bears fan, the Peanut Punch is near and dear to my heart. So, seeing it used against me hurt a little. What hurt more was the fact Williams looked to have just fumbled away the game. That fumble was followed by a touchdown throw by Minnesota.

There was a solid chance that Williams’ good game of 11 receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown was going to go to waste due to a bad fumble in the clutch.

Much like in Men In Black, when they hold up that silver thing and erase the memories of people, that is what Williams and John Paddock did on the field drive of the game.

Before that final drive, Williams had 11 receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. In the final drive alone, he had two receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown was special as well. A 46-yard pitch and catch from Paddock to Williams. The speedster blew past the defensive back and left the safety in the dust.

This reception not only gave Illinois the big win but it completely erased one of the worst moments in Williams’ career. After today, that fumble is completely out of my mind, and the legend of Williams lives on. This kid has had a special season. Hopefully, he sticks around and doesn’t go to the NFL.

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