CHAMPAIGN — AJ Bush Jr. had a pretty good idea he would be Illinois' starting quarterback Saturday against Kent State after conversations with Illini offensive coordinator Rod Smith. Bush just wasn't aware everyone else knew as he made his way to the eighth floor of the Memorial Stadium press box on Monday afternoon.
Lovie Smith had already said the seven magic words — "AJ Bush will be our starting quarterback" — to a room full of reporters and to anyone watching the live video stream of the Illinois coach's weekly pregame press conference.
"I honestly just found out walking up here," Bush said after Lovie Smith made it official.