Post-Game Column: Embrace Bielema’s Ugly Ball

The formula for wins in a Bret Bielema administration is clear and regardless of everybody else philosophy in the current era of college football, the Illini aren’t changing - and shouldn’t. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

September 2, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Steve Snider/IlliniGuys)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — It’s past time to embrace Bret Bielema’s Football 101 class at the University of Illinois. 

Rushing yards - rushing yards allowed + defensive quarterback pressures multiplied by the turnover margin divided by unforced penalties and special teams errors = win. 

The 30-28 season-opening win over defending Mid-American Conference . . .

 

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

Illini 3-3-5 Defense Fails 1st Test vs Duke #613

Listen

Illini Football vs Duke Preview & Big Ten Controversy | IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular 9.11.26

Listen

Illini Football Update, Illini NIL Status & Michigan Mess #612

Listen

Illini Football Preview vs Duke #611

Listen

Illini Beat UAB + Katin Houser Breakout, Duke Preview & Sports Law Talk 9.4.26

Listen

Huge Illini 2nd Half Crushes UAB #610

Listen

Illinois vs UAB Football Preview | Key Matchups & Predictions #609

Listen

B1G Football Preview 2026 #608

Listen

Illinois Football Season Preview (UAB + Duke), Bielema’s 3-3-5 & the Houser Watch 8.28.26

Listen

Illini Football is ALMOST HERE! Full Camp Breakdown – QB, OL, Defense & Key Injuries #607

Listen

Season 6 Kickoff! Bielema's Big News, 3-3-5 Defense, Recruiting Bombshells & Hoop Talk 8.21.2026

Listen

Illini Hoops Recruiting Breakdown + Top 6 All-Time Best Illini QBs Ever #606

Listen

Illini Football Q&A Session #605

Listen

The Biggest Questions Facing the 2026 Fighting Illini Football Team #604

Listen

Illinois Football Preview: Katin Houser, Memorial Stadium Upgrades & Illini Recruiting Buzz 8.14.26

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:

© 2025 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.