Breaking News: Juice Williams Out, Eddie McGee In As Illinois Starting Quarterback

After struggling to a disappointing 1-3 start and averaging less than 18 points per game in the season's first four outings, Illinois coach Ron Zook has decided to make a change.

And it's at quarterback.

According to the program's official Twitter account, Zook will start junior Eddie McGee under center, replacing Juice Williams.

Williams has completed 57.3% of his passes in 2009, averaging 129 yards through the air.  He's thrown one touchdown and four interceptions, and was injured on the first play of the Illini's lone win (a 45-17 victory over Illinois State).


McGee will get his shot this Saturday against Michigan State.  He'll enter the contest with the Spartans hitting on 63.3% of his passes. 

Obviously Williams isn't the sole reason the much-hyped Illini offense has struggled out of the gate, but with so many weapons on that side of the ball, McGee deserves a chance to try and get them in gear.

FBT's Tim Cary will be in Champaign this weekend to report on McGee's debut against Michigan State; check back to FirstandBigTen.com during the week for further coverage.