Whatever you recall about the Minnesota defense from last season, wipe it from your memory before the Gophers face Illinois on Saturday.

Minnesota was truly pathetic last season, finishing last in the country in total defense. The Gophers allowed Illinois to amass 655 total yards, which is the third-highest total in school history, in a mismatch the Illini won 44-17.

The team that plays at Memorial Stadium will be a completely different outfit — one that believes it can win with defense. The Gophers are allowing half as many points (18.5) as they did a year ago (36.7) and are coming off a 16-7 win over Indiana.

“It’s a lot different,” Illinois coach Ron Zook said. “They’re playing with a lot of emotion, tackling well. You see the coaches jumping around, flying around. So they’re having fun.”

The most impressive aspect of the defense under new coordinator Ted Roof is the number of turnovers the Gophers are forcing. They are tied for first nationally with 17 takeaways after having only 14 last season. They are second in turnover margin after finishing 114th in 2007.

And coach Tim Brewster said that’s all part of the plan.

“It’s a mindset and practice effort each and every day,” he said. “We talk about scratching the ball out. We talk about forcing the turnover. We talk about swarming the ball carrier and chopping the ball out. We talk about interceptions, putting yourself in a position to get it.

“It’s something that’s emphasized on every single play, not only in individual drills but also on team drills. Whatever we’re involved in defensively, you’ll hear a coach mention turnovers.”

Brewster focused two-thirds of his recruiting effort in the offseason on defense. He brought in numerous junior college players who are now starters. Because of the emphasis on spread offenses, he went after guys who could play in space.

Now he is overseeing one of the country’s most impressive transformations.

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