Lovie Smith says it over and over and over again: If you are good enough to play at Illinois, you will get on the field. Regardless of age.
The third-year coach proved it again Saturday, sending 10 first-year players out against Kent State. Only one of the 10, offensive lineman Kendrick Green, had redshirted.
Five freshmen were in the Illinois starting lineup: Green, tight end Daniel Barker and defensive backs Sydney Brown, Delano Ware and Quan Martin.
"Some of the young players are going to have typical first-game things that we don't do well and we'll do better next time," Smith said.