It is finally game week for the Illini, and Lovie Smith met the media ahead of the season opener in Wisconsin. Here’s what the fourth-year head coach had to say:

On last year’s upset over Wisconsin

• We needed a signature win.
• Only way it (being a good team) can be confirmed is getting a win.
• Winning definitely gives you confidence.

On being underdogs against Wisconsin

• Until we become a consistent winner, this is the position we will be in quite a few times.
• We were a six-win team and I think we’re a stronger football team now.