Bob Asmussen | Where do the Illini go from here?
Nov. 26—Want to purchase today's print edition? Here's a map of single-copy locations.
Close
Buy Now
Illinois walks off the field in disappointment after losing a close game to Northwestern ending their bowl game hopes. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
3c337f67-fc85-5b69-a64a-cd6f4a4edcd9
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois' Reggie Love III runs to the sideline in the first half against Northwestern. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
0d0a310a-125e-5848-9cab-f9eae36b9308
editorial
true
images
Save
On Tuesday, defensive tackle Johnny Newton became the first Illini to win Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors since Dana Howard last did so in 1994.
* Holly Hart/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
170fb83a-f794-581f-92e3-8072cd94361a
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois' Aidan Laughery (21) runs the ball as Northwestern's Bryce Gallagher (32) defends in the first half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
a55765bb-1b70-5d65-85d3-3e6add337c5e
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois' Casey Washington (14) runs away from the grasp of Northwestern defenders in the second half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
0ad83424-a26d-55b7-b6cb-ff65968970f1
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois' Reggie Love III (23) runs the ball as Northwestern's Xander Mueller (34) in the first half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
26beaadb-e645-5ed2-8c12-7bc1a121897a
editorial
true
images
Save
Buy Now
Northwestern defensive back Rod Heard II pushes Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Williams out of bounds in Saturday night's 45-43 Big Ten West home loss by the Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
7f05e38a-8dd8-5f64-86b3-856f8a457960
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois' Tip Reinman (89) makes a catch in the second half against Northwestern. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
a3683fd0-3b38-5d64-bd75-002c011acfaa
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois' Evan Kirts (57) and Devin Hale (53) share a hug after a close loss to Northwestern. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
3c15c0df-43fd-50b0-b2f1-731e593b7c99
editorial
true
images
Save
Buy Now
Illinois wide receiver Casey Washington runs away from Northwestern defensive back Theran Johnson for an 80-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter of Saturday night's 45-43 loss by the host Illini to the Wildcats at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
* Holly Hart/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
533f0ee3-b975-53e0-ab71-4210dd2deba6
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois wide receiver Casey Washington pushes past Northwestern's Xander Mueller (34) and Ore Adeyi (7) in the second half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
70f39c19-4df7-5974-a7c6-f96dd94ee688
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois' Isaiah Williams tries to run past Northwestern's Jaheem Joseph (3). University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
20371bca-0ccc-50f4-a485-b32b89757a0d
editorial
true
images
Save
Buy Now
Coach Bret Bielema hugs Isaiah Adams after Saturday's loss.
* Holly Hart/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
e24ef068-1e95-5cc6-aebc-d045babf4b85
editorial
true
images
Save
University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
6a20620c-4a3c-5429-b433-da876f6d8120
editorial
true
images
Save
Buy Now
Northwestern defensive back Devin Turner tackles Illinois running back Reggie Love III in the first half of Saturday's Big Ten West game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. The Illini lost 45-43 to the rival Wildcats, failing to secure a bowl berth and finishing with a 5-7 record.
* Holly Hart/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
11e7a0e2-ff0e-53dd-8c8d-a39d54ee9e8d
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois' John Paddock (4) fakes a hand off to Reggie Love III (23) in the second half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
e3b9db55-eda3-5175-95b8-fa3fa05ef0a3
editorial
true
images
Save
Bret Bielema tries to get his point across to an official during Saturday's game against Northwestern at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. Illinois lost 45-43, and the Illini coach wasn't happy with the officiating after the game.
* Holly Hart photos/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
d5be4860-ac43-5108-9d21-083fe5f64f84
editorial
true
images
Save
Buy Now
Illinois quarterback John Paddock throws a pass while under pressure from two Northwestern defenders. Paddock threw for 334 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the host Illini's two-point loss to the Wildcats on Saturday in Champaign.
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
a2337dc4-d2bc-59a9-a916-b39fdbaaaa1e
editorial
true
images
Save
Buy Now
Illinois' reggie Love III (23) runs the ball in the first half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
58e03b6d-1ec5-5827-96c4-7a0c7ea062cc
editorial
true
images
Save
Buy Now
Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Williams caught 82 passes for 1,055 yards this season and on Wednesday, earned a First Team All-Big Ten selection.
* Holly Hart/The News-Gazette
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
2e08fc6b-682b-5686-ae7b-7f2838ecfaed
editorial
true
images
Save
Buy Now
Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton wraps up Northwestern quarterback Ben Bryant for a sack in Saturday's rivalry matchup in Champaign. Newton finished with two sacks in his final game as an Illini.
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
779569d2-8b2b-5cea-87db-559815fcb282
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois quarterback John Paddock (4) looks for an open man as teammate TeRah Edwards (23) protects him. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
eff82f6c-3fab-5be3-ad68-71e6a986ee50
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois Kenari Witcher (7) returns the ball as Northwestern's Bredan Turner (28) attempts the tackle. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
1cae550a-a9fa-5570-a37e-c877a8156a83
editorial
true
images
Save
The Fighting Illini celebrate their Seniors on Senior day at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
5cc29da5-75d4-54c6-b0dd-e8758579dbad
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois senior, Keith Randolph, Jr. enters the field lon Senior Day at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
a4b1265c-963d-5cdc-8f94-6f19167b3a40
editorial
true
images
Save
The Marching Illini play the Illinois Fight song to the delight of the crowd. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
24c2fb71-7556-5ee2-9fb9-2d5307688b20
editorial
true
images
Save
The Marching Illini entertain the crowd before the start of the game University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
698f4ea7-ee98-55df-afa4-371f20ca3240
editorial
true
images
Save
The Marching Illini take the field Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
56ea33ff-83be-58fa-b6f9-59f22d3e764d
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois senior Isaiah Adams is welcomed onto the field by his mom during g Senior Day at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
2f9d8725-0651-58d0-9434-e9264c764dc1
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois Senior Isaiah Williams is all smiles as he participates in Senior Day activities at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
119130f3-9db2-5e7a-bc74-4182dbfbfbf6
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois senior Reggie Love III gets a big hug from a family member. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
146d56df-5052-5109-8489-67580b9630e7
editorial
true
images
Save
University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
ef78b3b1-b78d-5a06-8351-d6cd2ca9fa0a
editorial
true
images
Save
Illinois senior, Keith Randolph, Jr. is hugged by a family member part of Senior Day at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
a10cb3f7-cf11-50fe-97bc-6a505cd694dd
editorial
true
images
Save
University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
dc10188d-7195-5ba2-9808-9e22b064b041
editorial
true
images
Save
The Illini cheerleaders get the crowd fired up. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
*
*
*
*
SMS
*
*
*
Copy article link
*
Save
addasset
json
156b8d96-d329-5d44-ae50-d650a2ed9ba4
editorial
true
images
Save
PHOTO GALLERY: Illini Football vs. Northwestern
Scenes from the final Saturday of football at Memorial Stadium this season.
Buy Now
Illinois walks off the field in disappointment after losing a close game to Northwestern ending their bowl game hopes. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois' Reggie Love III runs to the sideline in the first half against Northwestern. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
On Tuesday, defensive tackle Johnny Newton became the first Illini to win Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors since Dana Howard last did so in 1994.
* Holly Hart/The News-Gazette
Illinois' Aidan Laughery (21) runs the ball as Northwestern's Bryce Gallagher (32) defends in the first half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois' Casey Washington (14) runs away from the grasp of Northwestern defenders in the second half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois' Reggie Love III (23) runs the ball as Northwestern's Xander Mueller (34) in the first half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Buy Now
Northwestern defensive back Rod Heard II pushes Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Williams out of bounds in Saturday night's 45-43 Big Ten West home loss by the Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
* Holly Hart
Illinois' Tip Reinman (89) makes a catch in the second half against Northwestern. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois' Evan Kirts (57) and Devin Hale (53) share a hug after a close loss to Northwestern. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Buy Now
Illinois wide receiver Casey Washington runs away from Northwestern defensive back Theran Johnson for an 80-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter of Saturday night's 45-43 loss by the host Illini to the Wildcats at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
* Holly Hart/The News-Gazette
Illinois wide receiver Casey Washington pushes past Northwestern's Xander Mueller (34) and Ore Adeyi (7) in the second half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois' Isaiah Williams tries to run past Northwestern's Jaheem Joseph (3). University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Buy Now
Coach Bret Bielema hugs Isaiah Adams after Saturday's loss.
* Holly Hart/The News-Gazette
University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Buy Now
Northwestern defensive back Devin Turner tackles Illinois running back Reggie Love III in the first half of Saturday's Big Ten West game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. The Illini lost 45-43 to the rival Wildcats, failing to secure a bowl berth and finishing with a 5-7 record.
* Holly Hart/The News-Gazette
Illinois' John Paddock (4) fakes a hand off to Reggie Love III (23) in the second half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Bret Bielema tries to get his point across to an official during Saturday's game against Northwestern at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. Illinois lost 45-43, and the Illini coach wasn't happy with the officiating after the game.
* Holly Hart photos/The News-Gazette
Buy Now
Illinois quarterback John Paddock throws a pass while under pressure from two Northwestern defenders. Paddock threw for 334 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the host Illini's two-point loss to the Wildcats on Saturday in Champaign.
* Holly Hart
Buy Now
Illinois' reggie Love III (23) runs the ball in the first half. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Buy Now
Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Williams caught 82 passes for 1,055 yards this season and on Wednesday, earned a First Team All-Big Ten selection.
* Holly Hart/The News-Gazette
Buy Now
Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton wraps up Northwestern quarterback Ben Bryant for a sack in Saturday's rivalry matchup in Champaign. Newton finished with two sacks in his final game as an Illini.
* Holly Hart
Illinois quarterback John Paddock (4) looks for an open man as teammate TeRah Edwards (23) protects him. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois Kenari Witcher (7) returns the ball as Northwestern's Bredan Turner (28) attempts the tackle. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
The Fighting Illini celebrate their Seniors on Senior day at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois senior, Keith Randolph, Jr. enters the field lon Senior Day at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
The Marching Illini play the Illinois Fight song to the delight of the crowd. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
The Marching Illini entertain the crowd before the start of the game University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
The Marching Illini take the field Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois senior Isaiah Adams is welcomed onto the field by his mom during g Senior Day at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois Senior Isaiah Williams is all smiles as he participates in Senior Day activities at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois senior Reggie Love III gets a big hug from a family member. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
Illinois senior, Keith Randolph, Jr. is hugged by a family member part of Senior Day at Memorial Stadium. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
The Illini cheerleaders get the crowd fired up. University of Illinois Northwestern Football, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Holly Hart
* Holly Hart
CHAMPAIGN — Letdown.
It perfectly describes the Illinois football team's performance on Saturday against rival Northwestern, a bumbling, stumbling mess that ended with a missed two-point conversion. The Wildcats won 45-43 to improve to an improbable 7-5. That's a story for another newspaper.
And letdown fits the 2023 Illinois season. It started with so much hope for Bret Bielema's third team. One reporter (OK, it was me) picked Illinois to win the Big Ten West.
Boy, oh boy, was that ever wrong.
What was supposed to be more advancement at the home of Grange and Butkus instead turned into a giant step backward.
The folks who jumped aboard the happy train after eight wins in 2022 have climbed back off.
Getting them to return in the future won't be easy. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me over and over and over, shame on me.
Bielema came to Illinois with the promise of building a consistent winner. So far, he has delivered 33 percent of the time and carries an 18-19 record, including 12-15 in the Big Ten, into the 2024 season.
One winning season in his first three. One bowl bid at a time when there are 41 postseason games. To borrow a line that used to apply to the NHL playoffs: Not making a bowl is like not making the phone book. (Ask your parents what that is).
Bielema used a different word early Saturday evening: frustrating.
"Through these 12 games, I never questioned the heart, the desire, the fight, the faith, the belief these guys have had," Bielema said in the Memorial Stadium Squad Room. "Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to will us through where we were (Saturday)."
Illinois won its share of close games this season. Five of them. But lost three others by one score.
One L instead of a W means no bowl bid for the ninth time in the past 12 seasons.
"We just have to find a way to win those games," Bielema said.
Michigan and Ohio State played for a spot in the College Football Playoff on Saturday. Iowa is going to the Big Ten title game. Penn State, Maryland, Wisconsin, Northwestern and even Rutgers get bonus games.
Illinois has to sit home and watch. And consider what might have been.
Bielema called a bowl bid "everything."
"It's extremely frustrating," he said. "We have a lot of good players who deserve an opportunity to play another game. For (the media), for the fan base and everything else, postseason play is something we want to be more the norm than the exception."
Difficult choreBielema certainly realizes by now the special challenges he faces in making Illinois a consistent winner.
Only once in the past 30 seasons has the school had consecutive winning seasons.
This year was supposed to break the cycle. But no such luck. The program is back on win-one-year-lose-the-next bent that is the envy of nobody.
How many times can a coach go to recruits and say, "Help us build a winner" when the foundation crumbles every season?
The bones are in place: Great conference, outstanding school, nearby talent, wonderful community.
But for whatever reason, no coach since John Mackovic has been able to make it work. Note that he left when a better offer — from Texas — came along.
Bielema is the seventh coach to try since Mackovic. None of the first six departed of their own choosing.
The program has turned into a place where coaching careers go to die. Only one of the previous six became a head coach again in the FBS (Ron Turner went 10-30 in three-plus seasons at Florida International from 2013-16), though Lou Tepper had a nice run in Division II.
This is Bielema's third head-coaching stop and likely wants it to be his last. With a long contract, there is no pressure on him now or in the coming years. Athletic director Josh Whitman has put the program in his hands and trusts him to get it fixed.
Saturday's loss means it is going to take longer. Because to have a run of winning seasons, you need to start with one. Today, Illinois is at zero going into 2024.
More obstaclesIn case it slipped your mind, the Big Ten is about to get a lot harder.
Top-10 programs Oregon and Washington join next season. So does traditional power Southern California and decent UCLA.
Illinois plays at Oregon next season, part of the most challenging schedules at Illinois in forever. Kansas, Penn State, Michigan, improving Rutgers and the Northwestern team that just beat Illinois are lined up.
Michigan State is also on tap and the Spartans made a splashy hire on Saturday with former Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith.
And Illinois will be facing this nasty schedule without Johnny Newton, Keith Randolph Jr., Julian Pearl and Isaiah Adams. Those are the departures we know about right now, with a chance for more on the way.
The offensive line that struggled at times in 2023 won't have its two best tackles next season. The defense that couldn't stop Indiana or Northwestern won't have its two best players next year, either.
Bielema, who has shown strength as an organizer, must find some answers in the transfer portal and traditional recruiting. Every chance to add talent is vital.
There is also some healing to do, and we're not just talking about the emotional wounds of Saturday's loss. Kaden Feagin is a potential star at running back, but just had shoulder surgery.
Illinois seems to have the answer at quarterback in Luke Altmyer. Any bruised feelings caused by what became a benching will go away if he excels in the spring. He should be better in 2024 because of what happened in 2023.
But what happened for the Illini as a whole in 2023 can't happen again in 2024. Until it does. Again. And again. And again ...
