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

Fighting Illini Smashed 91-70 by Maryland - #454

Listen

Fighting Illini Lose to Spartans 80-78 in Close but Controversial Loss #453

Listen

Jan 17 - Hour 2 - S4Ep23 - Illini Commit Davon Grant, Ant Wright & NFL & CFP Predictions

Listen

Jan 17 - Hour 1 - S4Ep23 - Illini Hoops - Men's & Women's

Listen

Fighting Illini Crush the Indiana Hoosiers 94-69 on the Road #452

Listen

Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Illini Hoops Ups & Downs, What's Wrong with Penn State & Ohio State Makes the Plays to Win

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Davon Grant - 2026 WR Commit Talks to Ked Prince

Listen

Fighting Illini Upset 82-72 by USC Trojans - #451

Listen

Jan 10 - Hour 2 - S4Ep22 - NFL Talk and Portal Winners & Losers

Listen

Jan 10 - Hour 1 - S4Ep22 - Illini Hoops Victories & Recruiting

Listen

Fighting Illini Crush Penn State 91-52 without Kasparas Jakucionis - #450

Listen

Greatest Week for Illini Fans, Greatest Illini FB Season, 3 Huge 2025 Illini Predictions & Ant Wright Talks Illini Basketball

Listen

Sturdy, Ked & Mike Talk Illini Basketball over Washington & Illini Football in Portal Kombat - #449

Listen

Jan 3 - Hour 2 - S4Ep21

Listen

Jan 3 - Hour 1 - S4Ep21

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2021 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.