First, have to give credit to Illinois, Bielema and his staff did a good job preparing for this game. We were prepared for a 4 quarter game and it was just that. Big Ten road wins are tough to come by and we were able to get the win. We were able to handle adversity. A ton of mistakes on our part and the ball didn't seem to bounce our way, but when we needed plays, offense, defense and special teams, we got them. We will have the day off tomorrow, use the day to get healthy and move on next week. Happy for the kids.
If you look back in the 2nd half, I thought we really moved the ball every drive. But with the fumbles we weren't able to get in synch. But the offense did what they had to do in the 4th, didn't see any panic from our guys and then the defense got us the ball back and we got the win.
It's tough to play on the road and we're a young team and it was the first time we've had to play away from the shell. I thought the defense came out and played well from the start but the offense took a while to get going. But with Nick to get the pick after the two fumbles, I thought the defense played great tonight.
We never wavered in our faith of Petrino.
I think we were all affected by playing in a tough environment and we were out of our usual routines. And they did a good job of making Lia uncomfortable but we made adjustments and got the offense going.
In the red zone, you've got to score touchdowns, especially on the road. And what we needed to do in the second half was bring our own energy and we'll win a lot of games if we can do that like we did on the road the rest of the season.
As for the penalties, they just keep on happening. We'll keep showing them on tape and make guys aware, but if guys keep doing it, they will eventually start taking a seat on the sideline and others will come in and take their place. But the two turnovers were what we really need to take care of.
Deonte Banks had surgery today and he's out. With Nasili-Kite, it started bothering him again mid week and so he didn't make the trip, but the hope is to have him back next week.
We have instilled that mindset and that standard with our guys that we are going to get stronger as the game goes on and as we get into the 4th quarter. And these guys passed that test with flying colors today, they kept fighting and they showed they have bought in and that the culture is where we need it right now.
If you look back in the 2nd half, I thought we really moved the ball every drive. But with the fumbles we weren't able to get in synch. But the offense did what they had to do in the 4th, didn't see any panic from our guys and then the defense got us the ball back and we got the win.
It's tough to play on the road and we're a young team and it was the first time we've had to play away from the shell. I thought the defense came out and played well from the start but the offense took a while to get going. But with Nick to get the pick after the two fumbles, I thought the defense played great tonight.
We never wavered in our faith of Petrino.
I think we were all affected by playing in a tough environment and we were out of our usual routines. And they did a good job of making Lia uncomfortable but we made adjustments and got the offense going.
In the red zone, you've got to score touchdowns, especially on the road. And what we needed to do in the second half was bring our own energy and we'll win a lot of games if we can do that like we did on the road the rest of the season.
As for the penalties, they just keep on happening. We'll keep showing them on tape and make guys aware, but if guys keep doing it, they will eventually start taking a seat on the sideline and others will come in and take their place. But the two turnovers were what we really need to take care of.
Deonte Banks had surgery today and he's out. With Nasili-Kite, it started bothering him again mid week and so he didn't make the trip, but the hope is to have him back next week.
We have instilled that mindset and that standard with our guys that we are going to get stronger as the game goes on and as we get into the 4th quarter. And these guys passed that test with flying colors today, they kept fighting and they showed they have bought in and that the culture is where we need it right now.
