What would you do and say in a critical situation like this?

Clinging to a narrow, one touchdown lead over #1 ranked Ohio State at the famous horseshoe in Columbus, Illinois faced a fourth and inches on their own 34 yard line with 6:53 left in the game. The Illini were all set to punt when OSU's coach Jim Tressel called a time out.

Illinois quarterback Juice Williams used the opportunity and his leadership skills to persuade Coach Ron Zook to give the team a chance to get the first down, maintain possession, and attempt to run out the clock on the Buckeyes.

"Coach, you don't think we can get a half an inch? I'll get you an inch," Williams confidently said.

With the game on the line, Williams sneaked for the first down and twice more he converted third-and-long on quarterback draws to burn the clock and give the Illini an exciting win over the #1 Buckeyes in Columbus.

As a leader for your team, consider the following questions:

Do you have the confidence in yourself and your team to get the job done when your team needs you most?

Are you able to take intelligent risks that will give you a chance to win against the top competition?

Do you have the kind of relationship with your coach where you can provide your input and trust that it will be heard and sometimes acted on?

Juice's confidence, belief, trust, and leadership (and that of his teammates) helped secure an exciting and important win over the #1 ranked team in the nation. The same critical qualities can and will help you too!