Illinois Football: Lanning Praises Bret Bielema, Illini Program

Oregon coach Dan Lanning met with the media on Tuesday to discuss preparations for Saturday afternoon’s high-stakes matchup against Illinois Football. The Ducks are undefeated, and looking to keep it that way, as a hungry Illini team heads to Eugene fresh off a massive win over Michigan, looking to pull yet another upset.

Lanning, who is known for being brief in press conferences, spoke highly of Illini coach Bret Bielema, and the program he has built in Champaign, during his short time with the media. According to the Ducks head coach, Illinois presents a “fun challenge” at home for the nation’s current #1.

Oct 19, 2024;  Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Dan Lanning on Bret Bielema, Illinois Football

“We’ve got the opportunity to play a really good team,” says the Ducks Head Coach. “Coach Bielema’s done an unbelievable job there at Illinois. He’s a guy that I have followed throughout my career, even back to his days when he was at Iowa, Kansas State, and Wisconsin, as a young defensive coach. Then, what he’s (Bielema) been able to do at Illinois is very impressive. I’ve always felt like watching his teams, they have a clear identity. You know, they don’t beat themselves, they play really hard, they’re physical.”

Furthermore, Lanning stated, “I think all those things show up with this team as well. They’re (Illinois) playing really good football right now, so certainly, a fun challenge for us.

Oregon’s Dan Lanning on Bret Bielema and Illinois:

(Video from Oregon Athletics) pic.twitter.com/qi9a0enZWN

— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) October 22, 2024