Illinois Football Head into BYE week after successful start to season

Illinois Football will head into the BYE week of their 2024 season with their head held high. Despite a tough result on the road vs Penn State, Illinois Football has a lot to sell. Prior to the game vs Penn State, the Illini were sitting at number 19 in the AP poll and were an impressive 4-0. Two of those wins include wins over ranked teams, Kansas and Nebraska. Though there are no moral victories in college athletics, the Illini did hold their own in the first half in a tough environment vs Penn State.

After the BYE week, Illinois will play Purdue, Michigan, Oregon, Minnesota, Michigan State, Rutgers, and Northwestern. If the Illini can win just four of those games, that will be an 8-4 record.

Preseason expectations?

Bret Bielema and Illinois Football entered a pivotal year four. After an incredible start to year two, the Illini lost their footing to end that season and for most of the 2023 season. Momentum was starting to slip, and fans were starting to become restless. I think most fans would have been thrilled to finish the season at 7-5. However, the Illini are only three more wins away. Additionally, they have shown that they can keep up with just about anyone. They play a stable, well-coached brand of football that completely compensates for their talent deficiencies.

The BYE week will be key for the coaching staff to sell the start to the season in hopes of getting on the talent level of other schools. As shown last night, Penn State is an elite program that just has a lot of “dudes”. Illinois needs those dudes, and they will given their steady rise.

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