The season of upsets continued as Illinois led by quarterback Juice Williams stunned #1 Ohio State 28-21 in Columbus .
November 10, 2007
(Philadelphia, Pa) --- The "juice" as in dual-threat quarterback
Juice Williams was loose on Saturday as the
"season of upsets" continued in college football with the University of Illinois
(8-3, 5-2 Big Ten) knocking off formerly top-ranked and unbeaten Ohio State
University (10-1, 6-1). Williams threw four touchdowns passes to help lead his
team to victory. But his biggest play came on one-yard sneak on 4th and 1 with
6:35 remaining in the game that helped seal the 28-21 win.
The win was the Illini's first triumph over a No. 1 team since 1956 and ended a
conference and school streak of 20 Big Ten wins in a row by Ohio State . The
sophomore quarterback finished with numbers of 12-22 passes for 140 yards
and 70 yards rushing with a 4.4 ypc on 16 carries. Williams, who was named the
Big 10 player of the week, completed his scoring strikes to four different
receivers.
Williams in the past had been criticized by some for his errant passing, but he showed on national television that he is an improving player. In the end it was a grateful Williams weeping and praising everyone of his teammates after maybe the biggest win. Illinois head coach Ron Zook said of Juice after the game, "He managed the game well and after today, we can all see why he is our starter. When the game is on the line, he does what needs to be done. He is a tough competitor who plays the game well."
--- Submitted by Lloyd Vance
