Here's what Lovie Smith said after Illinois' dominant performance at Nebraska

Illinois crushed Nebraska 41-23 on Saturday afternoon thanks to outstanding performances from Brandon Peters and Chase Brown.

This is the second straight win for Lovie Smith’s squad after a rough start to the season. Peters hadn’t played since the season-opener against Wisconsin due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Illinois jumped out to a 7-0 lead after Nebraska QB Luke McCaffrey fumbled on the opening drive. The Illini went on to force three interceptions from McCaffrey and never looked back.

Here’s Smith said after the big win:

#illini Lovie: "That's what you get when you have an all-Illinois offensive line."

ABC: Always be crootin'

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) November 21, 2020

“It would have to be right up there for sure of total team win, absolutely." — Lovie Smith on if this was the best performance of his tenure with #illini

— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) November 21, 2020

Lovie Smith: "We were as healthy as we’ve been, and that has a lot to do with it. When you have your group together, you can do some things. That’s how it played out today." #Illini

— Gavin Good (@itsallG_O_O_D) November 21, 2020

#Illini coach Lovie Smith: "We have been building this football team for a while. Everybody talks about having a good year before it starts."

— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) November 21, 2020

#Illini coach Lovie Smith on Brandon Peters vs. Nebraska:

"You saw the way he played today. Brandon has been our starter. Isaiah was ready to play. (Brandon) can throw. What did he do right? He ran our offense."

— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) November 21, 2020

Lovie Smith on this #Illini win: "Our guys played well today. We deserved to win. We practiced that way all last week."

— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) November 21, 2020

#illini Lovie: You can imagine what that locker room was like. pic.twitter.com/ROIC5eqFdG

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) November 21, 2020