Sep. 3—CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois football team plays six times in 2024 against opponents it met last season.
How did the first round go for Bret Bielema’s guys? Not so good. The Illini were 1-5 against Kansas, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota and Northwestern last year.
The lone win came against the Gophers in Minneapolis and that one would have been a loss if not for John Paddock’s late-game heroics.
Next up, the opener on the replay list: Kansas. The No. 22 Jayhawks visit Memorial Stadium on Saturday night for the first time since 1968.
Bielema doesn’t want a repeat of that outcome, with Kansas blowing the doors off Illinois 47-7. Future Bears quarterback Bobby Douglass and Pro Football Hall of Fame running back John Riggins were the stars for Pepper Rodgers’ team.
The current Jayhawks start the week as a touchdown favorite. Looking at the other five rematches, Illinois figures to be the underdog in the first three. Oddsmakers will give an edge to Nebraska and Penn State at home.
In the final three rematches, Illinois will be either favored or the games will be considered a tossup.
Why should Illinois fans care? Well, the 1-5 record in those games cost the team a bowl bid in 2023. If Illinois can reverse one or two of the results, it puts itself in a better postseason position.
I agree with what former Illini All-American Martin O’Donnell said on WDWS’ “Monday Morning Quarterback.” Earning a bowl bid is the top priority in 2024 for Illinois, which has not gone bowling in consecutive seasons since 2010-11. That’s a run that has to end if Bielema is to ever achieve the consistent success he and his fan base crave.
Extra challenging
Kansas didn’t just beat Illinois in 2023. For most of the game, the Jayhawks dominated. Kansas led 34-7 before two late Illinois scores made the final more respectable. But the game felt like a blowout win for the home team.
Bielema had a feeling.
“When they asked us to move to Friday night, I wasn’t a big fan of it,” Bielema said. “I knew that was playing into their hands. They were going to hype it up. I saw a very active and loud crowd. I did like the way our guys responded. There was some fight and resiliency.”
Kansas brings back 15 starters, including star quarterback Jalon Daniels and tailback Devin Neal.
“Kansas is obviously a very talented football team,” Bielema said. “Top 20 ranking for a reason. People talking about them being a playoff team. They’re very well-coached. Very dynamic players offensively, defensively.”
Despite the Kansas talents, Bielema and the Illini are going to show up. Likely with a big, fired-up crowd at Memorial Stadium.
Word is the game is approaching a sellout, which hasn’t happened at Illinois in eight years.
“We’re trying to build this thing up and get it to be more consistent,” Bielema said. “Saturday night, hopefully, is going to be a microcosm of that. I think our guys will be excited to play.”
Bielema looks for ways to motivate his team when referencing the upcoming opponent. For the game against Eastern Illinois, he pointed to the Panthers winning eight games in 2023.
No talking points needed for Kansas. His guys know what happened a year ago in Lawrence, Kan. And if they are new to the team, one of others will fill them in.
“I think against Kansas, we recognize the ability that they have,” Bielema said. “Last year’s game is definitely a factor in it. “
Both teams opened with 45-point wins against FCS schools this past Thursday night, Illinois shutting out EIU 45-0 and Kansas cruising past Lindenwood 48-3.
Winning start
The Big Ten just missed a perfect opening week, going 17-1. Of course, you have to wrap your bring around the fact the Big Ten is up to 18 teams.
The lone loss was by Minnesota against North Carolina when the Gophers missed a game-winning field goal late.
Bielema reminded himself Oregon, Southern California, UCLA and Washington are now a part of his conference.
“One of the biggest changes for me this weekend was I had to cheer for USC, Oregon, all these other teams,” Bielema said. “That drive at the end of half for USC (on Sunday night) was the signature mark of a really poised quarterback and a play-caller that knew what they were doing at that moment.”
So, yes, Bielema roots for the rest of the Big Ten teams … when they aren’t playing his team.
“I can’t tell you I was sitting there cheering, but I’m like, ‘OK, if USC wins, this is a good thing,'” Bielema said. “I’ve gotten to know these guys a little bit. I met Lincoln (Riley, Southern Cal coach) several times before this year. Especially (Oregon’s) Dan Lanning, I spent a week with him in Hawaii on the Nike trip. Him and his wife are cool people, so I cheer for them on Saturday.”
He is getting used to the new reality.
“It’s just a different world,” Bielema said. “Anything that helps the Big Ten I think is a positive thing.”
