Lovie Smith
"As we went into the football season, we knew we were going to need to be flexible, that things could change quickly and that's exactly what happened for us this past week. We were really excited about playing one of the best teams in the country here at home but once the decision was made by the league we moved on quickly to Iowa."
"Our guys have done a great job; this COVID virus as affected us everywhere and our players have done a good job to do what they can to keep the team as safe as possible."
"It doesn't take much for us to get fired up about playing the Hawkeyes."
"We are on a two-game winning streak and we are excited about possibly getting a third win."
"They are probably one of the most traditional football teams we have played, as far as they huddle and have a full back on their roster, similar to Wisconsin. On defense they have been playing with the same defensive scheme for a long period of time. It's been a long time since a team has scored 25 points on them."
"I'm not going to say that we lost any momentum. The last time we played we played our best football, since that time we've had time to practice for a week and I hope we've gotten better. We cleaned up some things we didn't do right that last time we played. As someone mentioned earlier it is a mini bye week."
"Alex [Palczewski] has been one of our best players since he got on campus so when you lose a player like that it hurts a lot. He has been a team captain. He checks off every box."
"We realize injures can happen to anyone at any time and it gives you a chance to see your depth."
"Our upperclassmen have not beaten Iowa since I've been here. That has to give you added motivation, absolutely."
"Going into every game, our number one goal that we would like to achieve is to win the turnover battle."
On the seniors...
"We have been together for a long period of time; we've been through it all. A lot of tough breaks and a lot of rewarding moments. I've seen them learn and grow, get to campus and not know where their first class is to now. We have a senior leadership group that is just outstanding. They have set the tone for Illinois football for a long period of time. There is no way you can really thank them; I just hope they've had a great experience here…. The way we can really send them off right is to get them their first win against Iowa."
On Vanderbilt kicker Sarah Fuller...
"I think it is [historic], you know I have four granddaughters and they are all athletes. They love football so I think it's good for them to see someone that looks like them out there playing football in what has been a male dominated sport. It was great to see her kick; it was just a matter of time."
