We can't make excuses. People just need to step up and play their role. Injuries aren't a factor. We were prepared this week and we just didn't come out and execute.

I had a lot of opportunities out there but I didn't execute. I didn't play to my ability. It wasn't the pressure. I'm used to that. I wasn't throwing the ball where it was supposed to go. Some (passes) were high, some low.

I didn't play to my ability,

The expectations here are very high and we know that coming in. We're going to try our hardest every year to be on top of the Big Ten and play as a team to be there.

I go to the spot I'm supposed to be and turn around,'' he said.

The experience (a year ago) really helped,