“It’s a long time coming”: Why Bret Bielema’s Creation of a Saturday Night ‘Moment’ May Live Forever

1,358 days ago, Bret Bielema was hired to become the 26th head coach in Illini football history and in his 39th game, his team created an history moment that eventually program turnarounds point towards. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

September 9, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The first word Bret Bielema used in the post-game locker room Saturday night to describe what his players, coaches and himself had just accomplished was “earned . . .

 

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