Illinois Football: Why This Citrus Bowl is a “Big Deal” for Bret Bielema

Bielema Looking to Secure Landmark 10th Win for Illinois Football

Illinois Football is preparing for a chance to secure a rare 10th win, something the program hasn’t achieved since Ron Turner’s 2001 Big Ten Champions. Reaching 10 wins—or even 9—has been a rarity for Illinois, accomplished only four times in program history (1902, 1983, 1989, and 2001). The Illini have hit the 9-win mark just eight times (1892, 1902, 1904, 1983, 1989, 2001, 2007, and 2024).

Coach Bret Bielema is no stranger to this milestone in the Big Ten. During his tenure at Wisconsin, the Illini head coach reached the 10-win mark multiple times with the Badgers (2006, 2009, 2010, and 2011). The Prophetstown native is focused on bringing that same success to his home state.

Bielema emphasized that securing an impending Citrus Bowl win would be a “big deal” for Illinois Football.

“I think to get to 10 wins is a big deal in college football,” says Bielema. “No matter how it comes about, or what plays into it, I think anytime you can get to that mark – I’ve been able to do that a couple of times as a head coach, I think that set’s your team up in college football, to be honest.”

Furthermore, Bielema states, “To be on the verge of it at 9, and trying to get to 10, but really against South Carolina, to play an SEC team. I would say that these guys were probably playing as well as anybody in the SEC at the end of the year, and to win those last 6 games… Absolutely dynamic player on offense, their quarterback (LaNorris Sellars) is very gifted. They have a lot of really explosive playmakers around him. On defense, obviously, I know the one end is out (Kyle Kennard). But, I know overall, a very different defense than what we see in the Big Ten. It’s a very good challenge for our guys, I think they’re psyched and wired into it.”

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