Tate | Devil in the defense for progressing UI football

Illinois defensive lineman Jamal Woods watches between plays during the 10th day of Illinois football training camp at the Campus Rec Fields Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana.While we're waiting to see who'll line up at quarterback for Illinois in 2019, here are numbers that speak even louder.

Think Defense. With a capital D. Twelve Illini opponents in 2018 averaged 6.0 yards per rush. Only Oregon State and UConn finished below Illinois (508.3) in yards permitted per game. More than anything, that explains a 4-8 record.

Somehow, some way, the Illini must stay healthy and play a level of defense sufficient to — take a deep breath — defeat someone they're…