Juice is prime example of Fighting Illini’s woes

CHAMPAIGN – Juice Williams has been in this situation before, but not in this role.

Three years ago as a freshman, Williams took over the Illinois football starting quarterback spot from senior Tim Brasic. It’s a job Williams held through a streak of 38 starts that included a 2007 upset over No. 1-ranked Ohio State, an appearance in the Rose Bowl when the Illini thought they were the next big thing and a record-setting performance in Michigan Stadium.

With Illinois already holding a nine-game losing streak against Division I-A teams and athletics director Ron Guenther unable to convince everyone coach Ron Zook actually will return for 2010, Williams saw his season and career crumble. On Saturday, he’ll share time with redshirt freshman Jacob Charest when Illinois hosts Michigan.

“I know I’ll be in there,” said Williams, wearing a smile at the edge of the practice field this week. “I know Jacob will come in. We’ve been working on things to get him prepared. I’m not down about it because my playing time is cut or I’m losing reps. Whatever it takes to win.”

If there’s a poster child for how far the Illini have fallen, it’s Williams. If he wasn’t busy forcing a smile, he might be crying in a season that’s gone from bad to worse to who knows where in the final five games, both for himself and the program.

“I don’t think any senior expected this, not just from an individual standpoint but overall,” Williams said. “We’re 1-6. It’s tough waking up in the morning.”

Bouncing back gets harder each week.

“I force myself to do it,” Williams said. “I try to get a fresh start on every week. Come Saturday, we have to go out there and execute.”