By Chuck Bryan - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

October 10, 2009

Champaign, Illinois - Eddie McGee's debut at quarterback for the Fighting Illini was not what he had hoped for as the Illini fell to Michigan State 24-14. McGee was 2-11 for 31 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception against the Spartans of Michigan State as the Illini were held scoreless through the first half of play. McGee was elevated to starting quarterback over Senior Juice Williams to help kick-start an offense that has been inconsistent this year. In the end, McGee's debut lasted just into the start of the third quarter and he was pulled after throwing an interception that was run back for a score by Michigan State Safety Danny Fortener. Illini head coach Ron Zook had wanted McGee to play the whole game, but said, "I wasn't going to leave the guy out to dry."

Juice Williams was effective in relief of McGee, leading the Illini to two touchdowns in the second half. Asked what his mindset was before the game Williams said, "I told myself to always be ready because anything can happen.... I told myself to always be prepared, and understand and get a great feel for the game plan. I think I was able to give the team a spark." Williams tallied 109 yards passing while completing 7-17 passes thrown.

Spartan quarterback Keith Nichols was also starting for the first time today replacing Kirk Cousins. Nichols lead the Spartans to a 17-0 half-time lead and finished the game 13-25 for 179 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception.

Michigan State's offense gained 281 yards in the first half on the Illini defense. Ron Zook was much happier with the second half defensive performance and feels they're moving in the right direction. "They finally just got tired of it. I think the defensive coaches made some great adjustments with things that we had to do. They (the defense) went out and performed. Going into the game we were going to try to play more people to keep them fresh and I think that helped us," Zook said.
Michigan State moved to 3-3, 2-1 on the season with the win, while the Illini fall to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in the Big Ten. Zook refused to speculate on what might happen at the quarterback position next week and says he doesn't believe the season is lost. "It's not a lost cause. This team's not going to quit. They're going to keep on keeping on. We have to fight through this thing and fight through it together. As a coaching staff we have to help them get through it."

The Illini play at Indiana next week. Indiana (3-3, 0-2) is coming off a 47-7 thrashing from the Virginia Cavaliers in Charlottesville, Virginia. Virginia had 536 total yards in the game.

GAME NOTES:

• Mikel LaShoure (Illini) rushed for 22 yards and a touchdown.
• Ron Zook said Arellious Benn hit his head on the turf on the opening kick-off and was a bit "fuzzy" the whole game. The team medical staff does not expect him to miss any time.
• Larry Capers (MSU) rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown.
• Glenn Winston (MSU) rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown before leaving with a knee injury.