Back to the Illinois Fighting Illini Newsfeed

Asmussen | Quarterback shift to Rivers has become necessary

MADISON, Wis. — I would never tell Rod Smith what to do. Except for now: change quarterbacks. Right away.

M.J. Rivers was the guy in the second half against Wisconsin. And should be for the rest of the season.

Playing in the snowglobe they call Camp Randall Stadium, Rivers replaced ineffective A.J. Bush Jr. in the second quarter Saturday. Rivers rallied Illinois immediately, giving the ball to Reggie Corbin, who zipped 80 yards to cut the Wisconsin lead to 14-7.

"We were just trying to get back in it and get our guys back in it," Rivers said.