CHAMPAIGN — Lovie Smith has had one clear directive for Nate Hobbs since the sophomore cornerback's return two weeks ago against Penn State.
The message from the Illinois football coach for a defense that stresses takeaways more than perhaps anything else?
Get that first interception.
Hobbs said he didn't have much of an opportunity during Illinois' 63-24 loss to Penn State. Watching the film from the Illini's previous three games, however, spotlighted several instances Hobbs could have made a big play. The only problem was he wasn't in those games and was instead sidelined by a three-game suspension for an undisclosed violation of team rules.