Illinois hopes talent translates into results

"The emotion of the team last year, we really weren't together like we are this year," linebacker Ian Thomas said. "We talk more, we communicate a lot. We're just locked in as one group. We definitely have got a lot of talent, but our system is set up that everyone has to do their job for the defense to work.

"We could be the most athletic team in the world, but if one person doesn't do their job, it breaks down."

Rittenberg