tˈɛpɚz dᵻfˈɛnsɪv skwˈɑːdz æz koʊˈɔːɹdᵻnˌeɪɾɚ wɜː dʒˈɛnɚɹəli stɹˈɔŋ, ænd ðə fˈaɪɾɪŋ ɪlˈiːni kəntˈɪnjuːd tə fˈiːld ˈeɪbəl θɹˈiː fˈoːɹ dᵻfˈɛnsᵻz wɪð tˈɛpɚɹ æz hˈɛd kˈoʊtʃ.
Tepper's defensive squads as coordinator were generally strong, and the Fighting Illini continued to field able 3–4 defenses with Tepper as head coach.