Bret Bielema makes case for Illinois Football to make CFP

Illinois football coach, Bret Bielema, has never been one to stay off of social media. The Illini headman is very in tune with the occurrences in college football and is not shy to make his own opinion known on his Twitter page. Last year, when the Illini lost in a close one to Wisconsin, Bielema shared his displeasure and received quite a bit of flak for doing so. Well, Bret Bielema is using Twitter for a different reason today. After beating Northwestern at Wrigley Field and clinching the first nine-win season for the program since 2007, Bielema made his case known regarding whether the Illini should make the College Football Playoff.

In the past two weeks, they have made the CFP rankings and were recently ranked 21st in the AP Poll.

Quality Losses

And it’s only kept getting better….. #famILLy #ILL pic.twitter.com/PcxgoqgA3X

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) December 1, 2024

The Illini lost three games this season. Two of those three games were to #1 Oregon (undefeated) and #4 Penn State (one loss). When comparing the Illini to the other 9-3 teams such as Missouri, Kansas State, and South Carolina, the Illini have the best record of losses amongst three-win teams. Additionally, it seems that the AP poll seems to agree as Illinois is ranked ahead of Missouri and Kansas State. However, South Carolina currently sits pretty at number 13.

Though Bielema makes an argument, it does seem unlikely that the Illini will head to the CFP as one of the top-12 teams. Fans will have to wonder what could have been if Illinois could have beaten a 7-5 Minnesota team at home.

Lost to #1& #4 and a bowl eligible Minnesota team on last possession game. Keep climbing #famILLy #ILL pic.twitter.com/kN6zb4kOIn

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) December 1, 2024

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