Iceland12
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"They’re ranked for the first time since 2011. They beat Iowa and Wisconsin in the same season for the first time since 1989. And they’re rolling behind a stingy defense and productive offense.
Bielema is no stranger to success in the Big Ten. He led Wisconsin to three consecutive conference titles and Rose Bowls before departing for seemingly greener pastures at Arkansas in the Southeastern Conference.
The 52-year-old Bielema has changed since his days as a hotshot coaching prospect in Madison. He is perhaps wiser after spending five years with the Razorbacks and going 29-34 before being fired in 2017..
“Winning affects everything,” he said. “It affects your program, it affects your recruiting, it affects your retainment of your own roster.”
Smith did not leave the cupboard bare, but much of the remaining talent is in its final year of eligibility or may depart to the NFL this spring.
“That’s why I want to ride this wave as long and as high as we possibly can, because it will definitely help us in the future,” Bielema said.
He credits his players, most of them Smith recruits who could have darted after either of the last two seasons. Offensive lineman Alex Palczewski and safety Kendall Smith, both sixth-year players, are contributors who bought into his vision instead of leaving.."
www.chicagotribune.com
Bielema is no stranger to success in the Big Ten. He led Wisconsin to three consecutive conference titles and Rose Bowls before departing for seemingly greener pastures at Arkansas in the Southeastern Conference.
The 52-year-old Bielema has changed since his days as a hotshot coaching prospect in Madison. He is perhaps wiser after spending five years with the Razorbacks and going 29-34 before being fired in 2017..
“Winning affects everything,” he said. “It affects your program, it affects your recruiting, it affects your retainment of your own roster.”
Smith did not leave the cupboard bare, but much of the remaining talent is in its final year of eligibility or may depart to the NFL this spring.
“That’s why I want to ride this wave as long and as high as we possibly can, because it will definitely help us in the future,” Bielema said.
He credits his players, most of them Smith recruits who could have darted after either of the last two seasons. Offensive lineman Alex Palczewski and safety Kendall Smith, both sixth-year players, are contributors who bought into his vision instead of leaving.."
Bret Bielema has No. 24 Illinois football ahead of schedule
Illinois could be seeing the best version of Bret Bielema. Early results indicate he may be taking the Illini from Big Ten afterthought to a formidable contender in the wide-open West Division.
