4/18-Juice, defense shine in Illinois' 2nd scrimmage

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Illinois football team looked sharp in their final tune-up before next week’s spring game. The Illini began the scrimmage with 6 drives, the offense started off strong marching the ball 80 yards down the field capped off by a 7-yard touchdown run for Juice Williams. The defense stepped up and didn’t allow another touchdown forcing the offense to punt three out of the remaining five drives. During the two-hour scrimmage, the team ran through multiple scenarios including, including third-down, red zone, goal line, four-minute and two-minute situations. The defense shined again on third down sets only allowing one first down in four opportunities. Red zone action, started out with a bang for the offense. On the first pass of the session, Williams threaded the need to Chris Duvalt, who made a sensational sliding catch in the end zone for a touchdown. The offense went on to post three scores in four chances. Running back Jason Ford took over during the four-minute drill portion of the contest. The Belleville, Ill., native rushed the ball exclusively on during the first drive getting into the secondary twice and posting 43 yards total on the drive. Ford led all Illini rushers on the day with 60 yards and a touchdown. In the two-minute portion of the scrimmage, the longest play of the day came on a 51-yard touchdown strike from Williams to AJ Jenkins. Overall, Williams was stellar passing for 167 yards on 12-15 and two passing touchdowns along with a rushing touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, everyone seemed to be getting into the act with 64 total tackles. Safety Garrett Edwards, along with linebackers Ian Thomas and Martez Wilson led the Orange and Blue with six tackles apiece. The push up front was especially effective with eight sacks for a total loss of 32 yards, including three by Antonio James.