CHAMPAIGN – All week, the Illinois offensive linemen heard about the scary San Diego State blitz.

They're still waiting for it.

One week after throwing the kitchen sink at poor, overmatched South Florida, the Aztecs picked on a team their own size. And didn't have much luck.

San Diego State was credited with just three sacks. Two of them were dinky 1- and 2-yard losses.

"We knew if we would just trust our technique and what Coach (Harry Hiestand) was teaching us, we'd have no problem moving the ball on them and picking up the blitz," Illini offensive guard Ray Redziniak said. "In the past, if they brought those blitzes, there would probably be 30 sacks."

Center Luke Butkus was expected to face the most heat. Against South Florida, San Diego State repeatedly sent linebackers and safeties right through the middle of the line.

"We thought they'd come every play," Butkus said. "The first couple series, they weren't bringing anything."

Later in the first quarter, the Aztecs started sending people. Butkus and friends stuffed them.

"They were throwing everything at us, and we were picking it up," Butkus said. "It's got to be demoralizing to them. If they bring everything, and we stop it, they don't have anything else to throw at us."

The Illinois offense took some time to start moving Saturday. The Illini didn't score in the first quarter and were held to 53 yards.

Kurt Kittner's long touchdown pass to Greg Lewis early in the second quarter broke the tension.

"We wanted to get a big play because we knew the defense was out there playing tough," Redziniak said. "All it takes is one big play, and we knew it would happen."

The offensive line dominated the final three quarters, helping Illinois to a 158-yard edge.

Going into the season, the offensive line was a big concern for coach Ron Turner. He had faith in the players' ability but wasn't sure how three new starters would blend in.

Tony Pashos took over at right tackle, Jay Kulaga is at left guard and Butkus plays center. They made their first starts together against Arkansas State.

So far, so good, Redziniak said.

"Tony is doing real well," Redziniak said. "He's playing great. I figured the first game he'd come out, be a little nervous and make a couple stupid errors, just like I did when I was a freshman. He's been real good. He hasn't made any mistakes."

The Illini coaches wisely put veterans Redziniak and Marques Sullivan on each side, next to inexperienced players. Pashos appreciates the help.

"He's been in some big games," Pashos said of line neighbor Redziniak. "He tells me what to expect."

Sometimes, even Redziniak gets surprised. On Saturday, for example, he figured to battle a mouthy bunch of Aztecs. Nope.

Maybe all that failed blitzing tired the defenders out. Or maybe they were getting over jet lag. But the chatter was kept to a minimum.

"They were a nice team," Redziniak said. "We blocked them, and they said, 'Good job.' If they beat us, they didn't say anything. Normally, there's some trash talking going on."

"Maybe they're just like us," Pashos said. "Keep your mouth shut, and do your job."