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Illinois' new Bobby Hauck defense created havoc in its UAB debut but missed 16 tackles and allowed 191 rushing yards, with tackling called the unit's biggest downfall.
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Bret Bielema said Illinois did less live tackling in fall camp than in any of his 18 seasons as a head coach because early camp injuries changed his approach.
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UAB held the ball for 41:03 and ran six drives of 10-plus plays, raising concern about whether Illinois' smaller, more aggressive defensive personnel can hold up against Power Four opponents.
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Illinois did generate 22 pressures on 40 dropbacks, six tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits, with Will Holmes, Ean Rhea, Pat Farrell, Ismael Kante, Mason Muragin, and Matthew Bailey all contributing pressure.
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Illinois must clean up tackling before facing Duke running back Nate Sheppard, who ran for 1,132 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.