Winning a game the Lovie way

During the September matchup with Western Kentucky, Illini fans caught a glimpse of what Lovie Smith has been building in Champaign. The game featured an Illini defense that generated points off turnovers, a rushing attack that dominated time of possession and special teams that gave the team a chance to win.

Although the defense would struggle getting off the field later against conference foes, the Illini held the Hilltoppers to just 2 of 12 on third down conversions. The defense also secured two takeaways, one of which was the season’s only pick-six at the hands of LB Julian Jones. Freshman DE Bobby Roundtree also showed his potential in this game:

Opposing offenses are quickly finding out…