CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — At his weekly press conference Monday afternoon, Illinois Football head coach Lovie Smith touched on a variety of topics ranging from the status of the Illini’s suspended players, special teams, Friday night games, MJ Rivers and the 27.5-point spread placed on their Big Ten opener.
One word Smith used though about this point in the season: “excited.” Illinois opens Big Ten play Friday night on FS1 vs. No. 10 Penn State.
“In an ideal world, you want to start at home,” Smith said. “We’re excited about the Friday night game, and we’re playing a good team.