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Lovie Smith discusses confidence, momentum at Illinois, gives major compliment to Michigan State
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Lovie Smith and the Illinois Fighting Illini are hot right now. The team has won its last three games and are now 5-4 overall with a 3-3 record in the Big Ten.
Illinois has been one of the feel-good stories within the conference this season — especially as of late — and on Monday, Illini coach Lovie Smith talked about the confidence and momentum that Illinois has built:
#illini Lovie: Gain confidence when you make plays, win games, do something you haven't done before. Momentum does a lot for the building. More giddy-up in everyone's step. Playing football that matters in November is what it's all about.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) November 4, 2019
The Fighting Illini are actually playing meaningful football in November. That is something for a team that won a total of four games a season ago. Now, it is just one win away from bowl eligibility.
Aside from the confidence and momentum talk, Smith discussed what Michigan State brings to the table. The two teams play each other at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Spartan Stadium:
#illini Lovie: MSU has played outstanding defense for a long time. Traiditonally, they've committed to run but they spread it out more now. They have good skill guys, good linemen. MSU one of the best programs in college football.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) November 4, 2019
He also called the game the biggest his team has had since his arrival in Champaign:
How big is Illinois' game at Michigan State?
"This is the biggest game we've had here since I've been here."@LovieSmith | @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/ZuuNZhwnVt
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 4, 2019
The B1G clash, which proves to be a massive game for both programs, will be televised on FS1.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.