Illinois linebacker Owen Carney is ready to be more of a leader now that Bret Bielema is set to miss Saturday’s game against Iowa.

Bielema tested positive for COVID-19 so he will have to miss that contest, per the NCAA rules.

When Carney was asked about stepping up to help fill Bielema’s void, he was quick with his answer.

“Kind of just being an extension of Coach B,” Carney said.

Carney has been one of the best players on the Fighting Illini’s defense this season. He has 36 total tackles (17 solo) with 6 sacks and all of those numbers are career-highs.

Last season, Carney had 27 total tackles (13 solo) with 5 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

He’ll be looking to be a major difference-maker against the Hawkeyes on Saturday as the Fighting Illini looks to play spoiler.

Kickoff will be at 2 p.m. ET as Illinois looks to keep its bowl hopes alive.