After Illinois’ 67-65 triple-overtime loss at Michigan, players on both sides agreed it was one of the most thrilling football games they had ever been involved in.

“I’ve never really been in a game like that,” quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase said. “Really, it’s been a while since I’ve even seen a game like that. There’s definitely a lot that goes into that game, and just when you’re in it, you just know it’s one of those crazy games.”

While the game was likely one of the most memorable the team has played in, the Illini said they must forget last week and focus on their next opponent, Minnesota.

“Yeah, I don’t think you have a choice. You don’t have a choice but to shake it off,” Illinois head coach Ron Zook said. “There is no use dwelling on it … Right now the most important thing we can do is go play Minnesota to the best of our ability.”

While the Michigan loss left a bad taste in the mouth of safety Trulon Henry, he said getting back on the field during practice made it a whole lot easier to forget.

“After practice (Monday), that emotion for the Michigan game was kind of out the door,” Henry said. “It took actually physically going through practice and getting out there and competing again against scout team to really feel as though that game is behind us.”

Illini winning turnover battles

After ranking near the bottom of the country in turnover margin through the first six games of the season, the Illini have been one of the best in that category in the last three weeks.

The Orange and Blue have turned the ball over just twice in their past three contests while recording 12 takeaways of their own, a stark contrast from their minus-six turnover ratio to begin the season.

“I think everyone knows that you have to take care of the football,” Zook said. “And I think on the reverse side of that, the defense is getting some turnovers as well, and whenever you can do that, the more opportunities you give the offense.”

Scheelhaase has not thrown an interception since tossing three picks against Michigan State nearly a month ago.

Zook said the improvement has come from two different areas.

“I think you would expect the offense to continue to improve, we’ve said it from day one,” Zook said.

“And I think for a lot of reasons. Number one, just naturally you’re going to get better. Number two, the coaches are doing a great job of putting the players in positions that they feel comfortable with, and I think as the coaches get to know the players in the heat of the battle and what they do best, that’s what they’re doing, and to me that’s a sign of great coaching.”