Illinois dropped its season opener at Wisconsin last Friday, 45-7. On Monday, Illini head coach Lovie Smith discussed the game and what the team plans to do differently Saturday against Purdue. Here’s what he had to say:

On Wisconsin loss

• The team watched the video and are ready to learn, move on to Purdue.
• Missing players like Jake Hansen, Daniel Imatorbhebhe, Devon Witherspoon and Isaiah Gay.
• Run game was played fairly well.
• Surprising loss, but we’re a better team than that. It won’t continue.

On Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz testing positive

• The team is tested everyday.
• No new positives right now, but aware of the situation.

On Roderick Perry

• There were not at lot of positives on defense, but he was one of them.
• Very pleased with how he played, and it gives hope for later in the season.

On this next week of practice

• Every aspect of the game needs to be worked on and improved.
• This week will give a better indication on where the team really is.

On player rotation

• Brandon is our QB.
• Put Isaiah Williams in to get some plays.
• No major changes will be made based on this game. The whole team did not perform well, including myself.

On Tarique Barnes

• He stepped up.
• If necessary, Lovie would feel good about playing him again.

On improving offense

• Key: need to build sustained drives.
• There are a lot of good players who can do a lot, just need to involve them.
• This week they will be getting back to making that happen.

On game atmosphere this week

• It will be different, but playing at home is special — even with less people.
• Coming home is exciting, especially for the players since their parents and will be there.
• After last week, you want to come home to the familiar.