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Redbirds coach Denver Johnson said quarterback Mike Souza, receiver Dwayne Smith and the entire offensive unit received a boost of confidence from gaining 511 yards in their 48-22 loss at Illinois. “It had to bolster our confidence,” Johnson said. “We earned those yards. Illinois was trying to stop us. We did it against a Big Ten opponent and before that big crowd.” Souza passed for 385 yards. Smith, who transferred from Illinois, set Memorial Stadium records with 14 catches for 243 yards. Johnson lauded All-America linebacker Boomer Grigsby for his 18 tackles. . . . Johnson was especially pleased that, after trailing 31-3 at the half, his team gained 234 yards in the third quarter. “Now we need our young players to mature,” Johnson said
