Nebraska Defensive Coordinator Tony White Pre-Illinois Press Conference

On Jimari Butler and Mikai Gbayor having full availability for Friday’s game
“Both of those guys are making plays. More importantly, they are bringing a little edginess as well. With those guys coming back and then the things we did not do well last week, the guys out there running around, they know and they want it. We’re going to set the standard and make sure the standard is there every time we step on the field.” 

On the Illinois offense and their quarterback
“You have the playmakers on the outside. Those guys are going up and getting footballs. They do a great job of keeping it balanced. They know when they want to run the ball, what looks they are running the ball into, and then doing a lot of different things like RPO, getting them out movement pass wise. He’s playing with a lot of confidence right now. He’s not really panicked. He goes out there and he sees he is operating at a high level. He will be a challenge to deal with.” 

On defense performance
“Even when you win, it’s cool but there’s a catch-22. On the one hand, you won the game. You held the team to three points, and they are a good football team. They were going to make some noise. You hold them to four yards a play, yet you can feel that it wasn’t as exciting. Part of that is going back in there and saying ‘hey guys, I know the standard wasn’t met in terms of what we do.’ Let’s understand in the grand scheme of things I think everybody in here would’ve taken a 34-3 victory over a team like that. Hands down, no ifs ands or buts. In my prior history, there’s been plenty of times when we played great and lost. The number one is to get the win and number two is what attitude you are going to have. We clean up those things. Do the things we are supposed to do, and namely practice and really dive into the process. Then we will have a chance to play even better on Friday.”