Illinois coach Ron Zook wavered Sunday afternoon when asked if Juice Williams would continue to start at quarterback, admitting that the coaching staff has conducted “a lot of conversation” about that topic in the aftermath of a loss to Penn State.

“When you make a change there are a lot of things you have to think about,” he said. “Contrary to what people think, we still have a lot of football to be played. And to be a good team you have to make sure you’re doing the right thing. That’s not as easy as everybody seems to think.”

When asked again if a change was possible for the Illini’s game against Michigan State on Saturday, he added, “Right now I’m considering changing everybody.” This was a departure for Zook, who routinely has defended Williams.

Zook said he nearly pulled Williams in the second half against Penn State but decided to let him play through his problems. The Illini scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Zook said he considered using redshirt freshman Jacob Charest.

It was four years ago that Zook decided to seat struggling senior Tim Brasic after a 1-2 start. Now he is faced with deciding whether Charest or Eddie McGee could jump start the offense with Williams struggling in his final season.

Zook said a move would come if it was decided another quarterback could help the team “make plays.” It should be mentioned that he has regularly threatened changes in troubling times but typically has resisted.

“Just like in basketball sometimes they bring a guy in to energize the thing,” he said. “But what if that doesn’t work? You can’t just go back to the board. Juice is a great kid and has the weight of the world on his back again. But I talked to him this morning and he’s not backing down.”