It's plain as day, that the light bulb finally went on with Juice and the zone read the last few weeks. He still might miss a couple of reads, but the majority are correct and the running game's put up some numbers because of his calls.

it's also plain to see that with Charest there is no read. At least that's how it appears to me. I think the Shultz is calling a predetermined hand off to the backs every time the zone read is called.

If Northwestern picks this up, and Juice is gone with the injury, we're in for some major trouble.

Illinois might as well just put the ball up every time if Charest is the qb to have any chance.

if he can pass-it works for me. Iowa didn't run much against NW

No.

This team has to run the ball 30+ times to have a chance to win.

Just because we've found a couple playmakers on D doesn't change the fact that the overall scheme sucks and the safeties are terrible. We have to sustain drives and that happens by running the ball.

Charest had a great game today. Just be happy for him.

When Juice comes back are you going to start a thread to point out his weaknesses?

Just pointing out the fruitlessness of calling a zone read if you're not actually going to read the d end.

And yes, we all know Juice has struggled with accuracy, confidence, and quick reads, but there have been numerous threads on this so no need to start another.

Yeah I'm not sure what Schultz was trying to accomplish there. Am guessing Minny wasn't too afraid of Charest breaking a long run on their D.

I'm really torn on Charest because I see a very raw QB who has some panic involved when he is under pressure.

That being said, in Charest I also see a QB who makes a much better throw to the 2nd or 3rd option that might be running the cross route giving an opportunity for a first down. That's what he did a couple of times today and Juice seemed to not have this ability. I'll take the better passer for now (and the future) as long as we can keep developing the running game as well, even if it isn't from the QB position.

I really like Charest even though the consistency was not there, but what do you expect from a true freshman? If Juice is not available for next week, I'll be happy as long as Charest is prepared through the week to be the starter.

Every time he handed the ball off we gained 3+ yards. Maybe he is making the correct read. Charest is not afraid to run the ball.

I didn't see any panic in Charest. And how was he inconsistent? There were only a couple of balls that were not right on the money. He should have been about 14-19 if his big tight end had caught some really good throws.

He's not a true Freshman.

Overall, I would rather see Charest get most of the playing time. I strongly prefer his style over that of Juice. Instead of being a run first QB, Charest is patient and finds the open receiver. The Illini are not going to make a bowl game this year and, therefore I'd rather see the younger guy get some experience for next season. I would start Juice on Senior Day, but that's it.

I was really impressed with Charest today. He stood in there and took some hits and delivered the ball. He was pretty accurate, however he should have been intercepted at least once (maybe twice). And as said before, Cumberland really let him down a few times. He made some really nice throws that we have not seen in a while.

Also really happy to see Eddie make a play on the catch n run. The play early in the game where he threw the ball was a fun idea. I expect we will see more plays like that as he adjusts to his changed role in the offense.

Bottom line if charest plays we can not run the spread option read plays...not only can he not make the reads,he is not a very good running qb. if he is the qb of the future we will have to adjust our offensive scheme to accomodate his abilities,which are pass accuracy and arm strenght.

If he takes us down the field and scores points, he could have one leg for all I care.

Haven't you heard, Juice can throw worth a darn. Everyone says so, even though he was 5 for 5 vs. MN. I guess his approximately 10,000 yards of offensive just don't count for anything. What a bust.

I am thinking Juice should have matriculated at Michigan instead. Hmmm. If Juice had played for MI this season and last, I wonder what the final score would have been in those games? Would IL have won? Now, that is food for thought. MI fans certainly wanted him on the field for their team and not IL. They would have begged for his play. Oh well, Juice is used goods now. He can't throw, seems to slow, can't read the D (ask MI about that!) Give him one series in the 4th 1/4 on Senior Day and call it a career.