Williams completed 16-of-25 passes (64 percent) for 196 yards and two
touchdowns, while rushing for another TD and throwing no interceptions. He ran
for a three-yard TD early on and then connected with Arrelious Benn for a
45-yard TD strike, the longest play of the day, and Will Judson for a 13-yard
score later in the scrimmage. Williams, sophomore Eddie McGee and freshman Jacob Charest combined to complete 33 passes overall and spread the wealth to 17
different receivers.
On the ground freshman Mikel LeShoure was impressive, racking up 95 yards on 14
carries (6.8 ypc), including a 36-yard TD scamper. Junior Marques Wilkins was
the top pass catcher on the day, hauling in four passes for 30 yards. Benn had
three catches for 58 yards and a TD to lead five UI receivers with three
receptions.
Like the first scrimmage in Rantoul earlier in the week, the defense, and
specifically the defensive line, was dominant, racking up 26 tackles for loss,
13 sacks and an interception. Sophomore safety Nate Bussey put the first points
on the board when he picked-off an Eddie McGee pass and returned it 30 yards for
a TD early in the scrimmage.
From there, the defensive line took over, led by sophomore Josh Brent's six
tackle, 2.5 TFL, 2.0 sack performance. Junior Clay Nurse and senior Will Davis
each racked-up two sacks each, while junior Antonio James, sophomore Jerry Brown, redshirt freshman Daryle Ballew and freshmen Corey Liuget, Ugo Uzodinma,
Glenn Foster and Whitney Mercilus each added one sack. Brown led the team with
3.0 tackles for loss and sophomore Martez Wilson tied Brent with a team high six
tackles, including one TFL.
Fan Appreciation Day Today
The University of Illinois football team will host is annual Fan Appreciation
Day at Memorial today, from 1-2:30 p.m. Along with Coach
Zook and the more than 100 football players, the Fighting Illini volleyball team
will be out to greet the Illini faithful. The event is free of charge and fans
attending the event should park in the northeast lot of the Assembly Hall before
entering the field through the Horseshoe on Kirby Ave.
The official merchandise partner of Illinois Athletics, GameDay Spirit, will
also be on hand to sell Fighting Illini products and Zook Zone towels. One
dollar from the sale of each $7 Zook Zone towel will be donated to Coaches vs.
Cancer. Zook Zone towels also are available online at fightingillini.com.
Back to Rantoul
After Fan Appreciation Day today the Fighting Illini will return to Camp
Rantoul on Monday for a single practice session beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Courtesy SID