Rod Smith is Illinois’ offensive coordinator. He has been since 2018.

He hasn’t been around for too long, but he’s seen the Fighting Illini when they’re clicking. He’s also seen when they have massively struggled.

On Monday, after a 34-31 loss to Eastern Michigan, Smith explained what went wrong in Champaign.

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Illinois recorded nine penalties, two turnovers and allowed six sacks in the loss to the MAC team. There’s no question that the Fighting Illini hurt themselves on Saturday and Smith is acknowledging that.

If Illinois wants to turn it around, and stay above .500, it will have to start doing the little things right first.

We’ll see on Saturday against Nebraska whether or not the Fighting Illini can be more disciplined. That game is set for an 8 p.m. ET kickoff on Sept. 21 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. The contest will be televised on BTN.