Illini admit they need to play harder

The Illini bought into the hype after ranking seventh nationally in total defense last season, linebacker Jonathan Brown said. Along with a coaching change, there was plenty to digest after the slow start. Heading into the Michigan game, the Illini rank 37th in total defense nationally.

"We got caught up in the hoopla," Brown said. "People didn't come out and do their jobs, myself included. The biggest thing about change is it makes people uncomfortable. When they get uncomfortable, they start doing things they don't normally do. Now everyone is settle down and ready to play."

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