Tate: More second-guessing? Both QBs might be used

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CHAMPAIGN – Ron Zook is counting on both quarterbacks Saturday night at Indiana.

To prove it, the Illini coach named Juice Williams and Eddie McGee this week's captains along with defensive linemen Josh Brent and Doug Pilcher. This is undoubtedly the first time Illinois ever had two quarterback captains in the same week. Zook is seemingly trying to show confidence in both. And if you're dying to know who'll start, well ... it'll probably be Juice but the coach isn't ready to say yet.

"I'm not dodging the question," Zook said Tuesday. "We'll continue to work hard and evaluate. I'm thinking of it from their standpoint and from our standpoint. It is impressive the way they support each other."

With the problems of the last few weeks, Zook and the staff have discussed the use of redshirt freshman Jacob Charest, the coach noting:

"It's hard to get three quarterbacks ready, and option football is not Jacob's forte. We'd have to change the way we do things in practice."

So, no, it won't be Charest. All indications point to Juice back in the saddle.

Travel party

It's a good time for the Illini to get out of town, away from the catcalls and criticism, and into an atmosphere where stadium boos might be directed at Indiana.

Saturday night's 47-7 loss at Virginia marked the 11th time in five years that the Hoosiers have lost by 30 points or more. As impressive as they were in a 36-33 loss to Michigan, the Hoosiers have been outscored 80-21 against Ohio State and Virginia.

That said, it's homecoming and loyal Hoosiers recognize Illinois as a rival they have defeated four of the last six times in Bloomington. If they win, the Hoosiers could resume their bowl dreams as they face Northwestern the next week.

"We take this game very seriously," said Zook, seemingly more relaxed and less confrontational than usual.

"This is a different situation than my first year here when we were just trying to get the players in the right position. Now we're trying to get these guys to play the way they can. Is it the scheme? Do we need to plug in other guys? What is it? The players are frustrated just like everyone else."

Catching some heat

Zook again emphasized the need to get the ball in Arrelious Benn's hands more often. As inadequate as the running game has been, the aerial attack is an even greater mystery. Illinois led the Big Ten with 3,232 aerial yards last season. In a 1-4 start, they've completed 53 percent for 870 yards and three touchdowns, all conference lows.

"I wish I had an answer," Zook said. "We're trying to get the ball to Benn any way we can."

With injuries holding him back, Benn has caught 13 passes for 176 yards. That's far short of Big Ten leader Eric Decker who, in six games, has 46 receptions for 689 yards and is a legitimate candidate for Player of the Year honors. Ten conference receivers have at least 26 catches, twice Benn's number. Decker has kept his numbers high through two seasons of double-teaming and defensive emphasis.

Benn is projected as a first-round NFL draft choice, but questions are being raised because of his multiple injuries and lack of production. He has three touchdown receptions in the last 17 games, and none in the last 10.

Benn missed virtually all of the Missouri game, was not 100 percent, according to Zook, against Illinois State, and may have been groggy after banging his head on the opening kickoff against Michigan State.

"He'll be in on kickoffs this week, yes, absolutely," Zook said. "We can't go in scared. The fact he played last week showed his toughness."

Loren Tate writes for The News-Gazette. He can be reached at ltate@news-gazette.com.

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