It’s abundantly clear that this defense is not the same unit from a year ago. The unit has a ways to go to match the performance from last year, and that was apparent early in the game, as Illinois was moving the ball with ease against the Lions.
However, once they settled into the game, the defense kept Illinois at bay, bending, but not breaking. Backed up in their own end zone, the Lions turned a sure touchdown into a missed field goal, and didn’t look back from there. They may not be the top 5 unit from a season a go, but they’re plenty good as they are.