Reeling Illinois bracing for conference foe Maryland

Maryland defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu (97) reacts after he made a tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Howard, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in College Park, Md. Maryland defensive linemen Ami Finau (55) and Lawtez Rogers, right, look on. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, center, walks off the field after his team's loss to UTSA in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Illinois quarterback Artur Sitkowski (9) throws a pass against Illinoisduring an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va. (Andrew Shurtleff/The Daily Progress via AP)

Illinois tight end Daniel Barker celebrates his touchdown reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against UTSA, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Maryland wide receiver Carlos Carriere (83) celebrates his touchdown with tight end CJ Dippre (18) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Howard, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Maryland running back Roman Hemby, center, runs with the ball against Howard defensive lineman Marcus Brown (42) and linebacker Terrence Hollon, front left, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Maryland running back Tayon Fleet-Davis (8) runs with the ball against Howard defensive back Carson Hinton (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Maryland head coach Michael Locksley, foreground, watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Howard, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)