Sept. 25, 1999

Illinois Head Coach Ron Turner Quotes

Turner on Michigan State Defense

"Michigan St. took away our running game, which made it difficult for us to move the ball."

"Their defensive schemes were not any different from what we practiced all week. Their defense is big, physical, and fast."

"Their defense uses good technique, they use their hands well."

"This is as good a defense as we will see all year, except for Penn St."

Turner on Illinois Offense

"We were not consistent on offense, we didn't get the run established."

"Without a running game, we couldn't pick up yardage on first down and it made it tough. We had several second and longs today."

"We didn't make plays today. We certainly tried to. We tried to use the backs in the flats and took shots downfield early."

"We seemed more relaxed out there on the touchdown drive."

Turner on Positives from the Game

"Kittner did some things well today, and he needs to improve on some things. It was a good learning day for him."

Turner on Illinois Defense

"Our defense kept us in the game. We played well. They had a good quarterback and 2 great receivers."

"We tried to stop the run early, that was important. They did a lot with playaction after they got the run going."