Illinois' bye comes at a perfect time this year.

The Illini (6-3, 2-3 Big Ten) have lost three in a row, unraveling much of the good that came with a perfect start. They fell out of the Top 25 and out of the lead in the Big Ten's Leaders Division.

Coach Ron Zook said Tuesday his team will take a few days off, then work on fundamentals when the players return later this week.

Illinois has a Big Ten-worst 19 turnovers. Four came in Saturday's 10-7 loss at Penn State.

The Illini also are committing too many penalties. One cost the team a second-quarter touchdown in the loss to the Nittany Lions.

The schedule doesn't get any easier from here. Next up is No. 13 Michigan on Nov. 12.