Coaches had hope for last-ditch play

Coach Ron Zook and offensive coordinator Mike Locksley didn’t think the situation was hopeless when Illinois trailed 30-24 at its own 47-yard line with one second to play Saturday at Wisconsin. “You can say it’s unrealistic, but a lot of things can happen, particularly with a quarterback like Juice [Williams],” Zook said. The play was supposed to be “a Hail Mary in the left corner of the end zone,” Locksley said. “Jeff Cumberland would be there. Kyle Hudson would be coming from the opposite side. Jody Ellis, who is a jumper, would be coming, and DaJuan Warren as well. They are four guys who can get down the field and jump. It’s a low-percentage play, but if you can get the pass off, it’s 50-50.” The pass never materialized. Matt Shaughnessy sacked Williams to end the game.