The Illini are making this point clear: This 1-2 is different from last year's 1-2.

"I don't want to compare to last year. I just know this year I like this team. I like the attitude of the team a lot," Illinois head coach Ron Turner said. "I think we're younger than a year ago, but I also think this team is very hungry and a very close team."

Two days removed from a last-minute, three-point loss at the Rose Bowl that sent the Illini to a losing record, the mood at Monday's press conference was surprisingly bright. And very aware that the start resembles last year's beginning which tumbled into a 1-5 record.

There's one difference though, the Illini said.

"The big thing is with this group, we're just a closer unit than we were last year," Illinois receiver Mark Kornfeld said. "One of the things coach Turner talks about is we certainly are as one. We feel like we're just a couple plays here and there from being 3-0."

A couple of crucial mistakes, to be exact. Against Missouri it was seven penalties. At UCLA it was three interceptions and a fumble.

"We're still making costly mistakes," Turner said. "To be honest, we're not making any more than most teams do, we're not making any more than past years. The difference is offensively, we're not good enough to do that. We're not making big enough plays to cover that ... so all the mistakes are magnified."

The offense has outplayed opponents 1,155 yards to 938, but the "big plays" have been absent. Still, those are something Kornfeld insists are on the way as Illinois prepares for a home meeting with California this Saturday.

"Big plays are gonna come. ... We certainly have the capability with the athletes we have," Kornfeld said. "If you ask any of the guys on the team, for starting out with a couple losses, we're still a very, very confident football team. Guys are playing with a lot of confidence ... Guys are battling, and I think we're going to get things turned around."

Adeyemo likely out three weeks

Ade Adeyemo "has what looks like a cracked rib," Turner said Monday of doctors' initial diagnosis of the junior receiver.

Adeyemo ran into a concrete wall behind the end zone at the Rose Bowl while trying to catch a game-winning touchdown Saturday. He was removed from the field and taken in for evaluation.

If the diagnosis is correct, Turner said Adeyemo will likely be out three weeks.

Sophomore Kendrick Jones will move into Adeyemo's spot, Turner said.

Morton out, Halsey in

Freshman E.B. Halsey will likely replace senior Christian Morton on punt returns this week while preparing for Cal, Turner said Monday.

Morton was pulled from punt return duties Saturday against UCLA after he let a punt bounce off his shoulder pads in the second quarter. The Bruins recovered the fumble and eventually drove for their second field goal of the game.

Halsey, who also does kick returns with Morris Virgil, was substituted for the next punt. He made two fair catches but did not make any returns.

Quick evaluation

Turner didn't have much to say when grading Saturday's performance of Jason Davis, the replacement for Carey Davis at fullback:

"Average."

Jason Davis caught seven passes for 40 yards in his replacement role. But Turner said quickly what he needs to work on:

"Blocking."

Would fellow fullback Brad Haywood be better in that area?

"Might be."

He was a little longer-winded when talking about what the Illini running backs need to do without Carey Davis, who will be probably be out another two weeks. Carey Davis has jogged and ridden the bike at practices, but is still on antibiotics and has not been cleared for full practice by doctors.

"We have to move on without him, but somebody else has got to step up," Turner said.