Weber emphasizing defense in early practice

Offense was virtually taboo in practices leading up to the Illini's first exhibition against Lewis at 7 p.m. Friday at Assembly Hall. That's because they betrayed one of Weber's core principles last season: play tough man defense. And Weber admitted he didn't spend as much time tweaking it early in the season as he should have.

"I look back last year, I blew it," Weber said. "You set a foundation that you build on, and it's tough to get that mentality and that pride later on in the season. You don't have practice time. That's the biggest thing."

Chris Hine