Illini defense not doggin' it
CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois finished the 2009 season dead last among Big Ten teams in almost every defensive category, but most prominently in total yards and points allowed.
As the Illini dig into their preparation for Saturday's trip to No. 13 Michigan State, they rank third in both of those crucial statistics.
Only Ohio State and Iowa, two traditional defensive powerhouses, rank better.
That makes Illinois' defense one of the nation's bigger success stories, but they see themselves as something far more simple.
“We just feel like we're dogs, said junior middle linebacker Martez Wilson. “We love to swarm to the ball. Our best thing is we're going to try to hit you. That's what we definitely will try to do. We're not going to be denied.
“We don't like big yards gained on us definitely in the run game because we're more of a run-stopping defense. But we can cover as well.
While new defensive coordinator Vic Koenning has been responsible for Illinois' more aggressive and varied schemes, the dog analogy has been drilled into the defense by coach Ron Zook.
“That's something we've been brainwashed with for the past four, five, six months, said junior defensive tackle Corey Liuget, whose control of the neutral zone has been a big factor in Illinois' improvement.
“We're just a pack of dogs looking for a crumb. Just stay hungry. Basically he's saying just keep giving ourselves a little taste of victory and the feast will come. Keep taking the crumbs and sooner or later they'll become big wins and we'll be where we want to be.
The Illini did their best work two weeks ago when they limited Ohio State to 290 total yards and 24 points, but they'll likely need to perform even better this week.
The Buckeyes came to Champaign ranked among the nation's top five offenses. Undefeated Michigan State isn't far behind and might be more balanced.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins ranks ninth nationally in pass efficiency. Tag-team running backs Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell combine for 205 rushing yards per game and average an absurd 7.3 yards per carry.
Wilson just smiles when he ponders the challenge ahead.
“Confidence is high, Wilson said. “I think this week, confidence will match confidence. We're just going to have to go out Saturday and showcase our talent.
Senior strong-side linebacker Nate Bussey, who should be better known as a hybrid between a linebacker and a safety, got a jump start on his showcase last week at Penn State.
His leaping deflection of a swing pass turned into an interception that he returned for a crucial second-quarter touchdown.
When Koenning arrived at Illinois, Bussey's blend of aggression and athleticism made him the perfect fit for the hybrid spot that usually requires him to play outside the tackle box.
“It has made me become a better instinct player, Bussey said. “I'm not surprised, but I'm glad Coach Vic chose me to play this position and be a successful football player here.
Does an Illini who plays outside the box still count as a dog? Definitely. It's an all-inclusive description for anyone who plays “as crazed as dogs.
“It's a way to show the University of Illinois defense, Bussey said, “is a pack of dogs that's ready to eat.