CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) -- As the Illini look to live up to high expectations this season defensive units are hoping to rise to the occasion.

Standouts like Xavier and Miles Scott return to the secondary and were big contributors in grabbing 12 interceptions last fall.

Pressure from the defensive line and linebackers opened up those opportunties and with the attention on the program entering the season the defensive core is ready to make it hard on their opponents.

Illinois tied Ohio State last season for the most forced fumbles in the conference with 11.

They also ranked third in the Big 10 with 845 total tackles last season.

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