CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -Illinois has decided to bench senior quarterback Juice Williams and will start backup Eddie McGee on Saturday against Michigan State.

Illini coach Ron Zook told WDWS Radio in Champaign on Monday that he hopes McGee will give the Illini (1-3, 0-2 Big Ten) a spark.

Zook says he isn't sure if moving McGee to starter is the right move but he's willing to give it a try.

Zook says he considered pulling Williams during Illinois' 35-17 loss to Penn State on Saturday. McGee has played extensively in his time at Illinois. He most recently played most of last month's win over Illinois State after Williams left with an injury.