Illinois knows its defense needs to be better in 2019, and that’s one reason head coach Lovie Smith has assumed the defensive coordinator duties for the season.

The Illini defense was simply terrible in 2018. The unit allowed 39.4 points per game which ranked 124th out of 130 FBS teams while allowing over 500 yards of offense per game.

Heading into 2019, no one is running from the past results. During his BTN Bus Tour appearance, Smith admitted that the defense has been embarrassed by their play in the past. However, this year it’s all about redemption:

“It’s about redemption as much as anything,” explained Smith. “We’ve been embarrassed by the way we’ve played. No time to talk about it, pretty soon we’ll show an improved product.”

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Hopefully, the unit is improved and ready to play better this season. Fans will get their first look Aug. 31 when the Illini take on Akron. Kickoff is set for 12 pm EST.