‘I told our guys I’m battling some demons’: Bielema Overcomes Extra Emotion of Michigan Week

The week of his team playing Michigan is always going to be challenging for Bret Bielema but Saturday allowed him to address why that opponent conjures difficult memories in his life.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

October 20, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Unfortunately for Bret Bielema, the winged helmet of Michigan triggers things emotionally in the 54-year-old man that he’d rather not think about. 

Instead of ignoring or trying to hide his emotions of what playing the Wolverines program psychological means to his life, the fourth-year Ilinois head coach elected to address the matter directly . . .

 

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