Illinois could turn to third-string QB as Juice, McGee struggle

CHAMPAIGN -- Ron Zook isn't saying who Illinois will start at quarterback Saturday at Purdue, but he isn't ruling out third-stringer Jacob Charest.

Zook said Tuesday the redshirt freshman has practiced more this week than any time the past few weeks.

Zook says he is so far impressed with Charest and noted he has to keep making changes until the 1-5 Illini get better.

Starter Juice Williams fumbled twice in the second half of last Saturday's 27-14 loss at Indiana.

The head coach didn't rule out Williams or second-stringer Eddie McGee. But both have struggled during Illinois' four-game losing streak.