The Illini are building an identity

I’ve been pretty vocal about the culture change in the Illini football program. I saw it manifest itself all preseason. From media days in Indianapolis to the player interviews after practice, the culture shift from bend-don’t-break to tough, smart, and dependable was evident on Saturday afternoon.

Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesWith new players, new coaches, and different lineups, there are always growing pains, but that buy-in from players was evident in Illinois' dominant 38-6 win over Wyoming. It wasn’t perfect, but it set the baseline for 2022. The only way is up from here.

Tough.

College football is the pinnacle of toughness. Being a gritty,…