How A Second Bye Week Helped Illini Find Key to Unlocking Run Game Success in 2024

Illinois finished the 2024 season in the November games tied for fourth in the 18-team Big Ten Conference in rushing offense and hope what they found translates into the Citrus Bowl.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 30, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

ORLANDO, Fla. — It took multiple months for Illinois to properly showcase the first key to victory in a football game in the mind of its head coach - run the football.

Through the months of September and early October as Illinois continued to build a 6-1 start, Bret Bielema’s offense in 2024 . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

I on the Illini - Illini Football Preview - Ohio State - #510

Listen

Illini Defeat Purdue on the Road 43-27 - #509

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - Illini FB Beats USC on to Purdue, BB & Game Predictions - 10.3.25 - S5E8

Listen

I on the Illini - Illini FB Preview: Purdue #508

Listen

I on the Illini LIVE/Illini Central Postgame - Redemption Win Over USC - #507

Listen

Indiana Loss, USC Preview and Hoops Update S5Ep7 9.26.25

Listen

Illini Football Preview - USC - #506

Listen

Heat Checks & Hail Marys – 6 Days to ?

Listen

Illini Nuked by Hoosiers 63-10 - #505

Listen

Illini vs Indiana, 2025-26 Illini Hoops Schedule, Game Predictions & More - S5Ep6

Listen

2025-26 Illini B1G Basketball Schedule - #504

Listen

Illini Football Preview – Indiana Hoosiers #503

Listen

Illini Crush Western Michigan - #502

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - $100 Million Donation, Illini Football Update & Canelo vs Crawford S5Ep5 - 9.12.25

Listen

Illinois Football Preview - Western Michigan - #501

Listen