Illinois is off to one of its best seasons since 2007, in large part thanks to the stellar defense.

Under the direction of second-year defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, the Fighting Illini possess the top-scoring defense in the nation (8.9 points allowed per game) and the top total defense (221 total yards allowed per game). That unit came up big once again during the win over Minnesota.

Illinois’ defense has allowed only 3 games of 10 or more points, with one of them being a shutout. The most Illinois has allowed was 23 points in the 23-20 B1G road loss in Week 1.

Illinois is coming off a 26-14 home win over Minnesota, where the defense of the Fighting Illini allowed 180 total yards and forced 3 turnovers.

No. 18 Illinois (6-1; 3-1 in B1G play) is set to go on bye-week in Week 8 before going on the road to take on Nebraska.