Football
Illinois Football clinches first nine-win season since 2007
The Land of Lincoln trophy comes back with the University of Illinois! On a chilly, November morning, Illinois football held off their in-state rival, the Northwestern Wildcats 38-28 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. It was certainly nice revenge for the Illini after having their hearts ripped out of them by the Wildcats last year in Champaign. After a rocky first half marred by turnovers, the Illini settled in and took control of the Wildcats in the second half.
This game goes well beyond the Land of Lincoln trophy, however.
Bret Bielema deserves his flowers
Just looking at this season alone, Bret Bielema has officially clinched the first 9-win season for Illinois football since 2007. If the Illini win their bowl game, it would mark the first 10-win season since 2001. On top of that, Bielema won six Big Ten games this year. It was not long ago when winning six games total would have been considered a monumental feat for Illinois. Bret Bielema has changed the tide of Illini football and has turned this into the expectation in Champaign within just a few years.
Through four years, Bielema has compiled a 27-22 record with a strong 18-18 in conference play. His predecessor’s record through four years? 15-34 overall and 8-28 in Big Ten play.
It may not have been pretty at all times, but Illinois football just had a season where two of their three losses were to top-5 teams in the country . They will likely head to the Citrus Bowl to take on a highly touted SEC powerhouse. That is quite an achievement for Illinois football.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, there is certainly no better restaurant for Illini fans to visit. Order online here or call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation.
For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at [email protected]. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around!
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini!
-
Basketball3 days ago
Former Illini Andre Curbelo suspended from Southern Miss for “disciplinary reasons”
-
Football2 days ago
Bret Bielema makes case for Illinois Football to make CFP
-
Basketball3 days ago
Illinois basketball has a daunting December ahead
-
Basketball6 days ago
Illinois Basketball: Two freshmen tabbed as first round draft picks
-
Football1 day ago
Illinois Football recruiting: How JUCO LB Ismael Kante impacts the Illini
-
FB Recruiting4 days ago
Illinois football news: 4-star LB Grant Beerman announces Illini commitment
-
Basketball5 days ago
Illinois Basketball: A closer emerges vs Arkansas
-
Football3 hours ago
Illinois Football News: Redshirt Freshman Tight End Enters Transfer Portal