Newly minted No. 20 Illinois (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) are fresh off a 21-7 win against then-ranked No. 24 Michigan Saturday. The win improved Illinois’ home record to 5-0 and set up a date against No. 1 Oregon (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) Saturday in Eugene.
Illinois’ three forced turnovers were enough to frustrate quarterback Jack Tuttle and give it its first win against the Wolverines since 2009. Regardless of how Illinois finishes its season, it clinched bowl eligibility for the second time in Bielema’s tenure.
Turning the page, the Illini, which now has three wins inside the AP Top 25 for only the third time in program history, will get a chance to knock off a potential Big Ten title contender. Oregon is riding high after showcase performances in back-to-back weeks against Ohio State and Purdue. Despite a 3-12 record against AP No. 1 teams, it’s the first time since 2007 that Illinois has been put in this scenario. The Illini knocked off Ohio State that year, eventually leading to a berth in the 2008 Rose Bowl, losing to USC 49-17.
Coach Bret Bielema said Saturday that he is well aware of the quick turnaround he has helped build in only four seasons. Before this season, the 2022 team finished 8-5 with a dominant rushing attack and a defense that ranked No. 1 overall in opposition points per game (12.8). Illinois fell one game short of a bowl last year and in 2021.
This season feels different, however. Bielema agrees. He said it held an even greater personal meaning to beat Michigan, especially given the stakes surrounding the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium and its Rededication.
Bret Bielema opens up on what a Michigan victory personally meant to him
“Last time we played these guys [in Nov. 2022] I lost my mom,” Bielema told reporters. “I told our team on Sunday I battled some demons, more than you can imagine. When I was a player, I lost my sister the day that we played Michigan. This game has always had a lot of things around it that has been tugging at my heart all week. I thank my wife and my family to have this moment. That is what I came here for. I thought we could build Illinois into something that is sustainable, and this is a big step in that direction. To have our fan base get rewarded is massive. They’ve been through 24 years of no ranked matchups in Memorial Stadium. They’ve been buying tickets for a long time and to have this moment come to life in front of us was awesome.”
Bielema did not address his initial thoughts on Oregon but re-emphasized the need for brief rest before diving into game preparation beginning Sunday.
As of 1:57 p.m. ET, Circa Sports lists the Ducks as a three-touchdown favorite. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on CBS.
