Just a few months ago, the NCAA determined that college football players who play in four or fewer games during the course of a season are now eligible for a redshirt. Whether players qualify due to injury or their position on the depth chart, the same flat four game limit applies regardless.
This opens up some major opportunities for Illinois and its young roster, but Lovie is keeping his exact response to the rule change close to the vest.
Lovie: Last year I don't think (new redshirt rule) would have changed much. We felt like we needed to play those freshmen who gave us the best chance to win.