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What Illinois’ Bret Bielema said during his weekly press conference
Published:
The Illinois Fighting Illini are off to a rough start to the Bielema era.
After a promising week 1 win against Nebraska, the Illini have fallen off a cliff losing 3 straight to UTSA, Virginia and Maryland. The Illini are heading to West Lafayette for the annual Battle for the Cannon game against arch-rival Purdue.
Bielema spoke to reporters ahead of the game with the Boilermakers.
Bielema provides an update on the QB situation.
#illini Bret Bielema: Peters is definitely our starting QB this week.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) September 20, 2021
#Illini Bret Bielema: You have the biggest improvement from game one to game two. Brandon [Peters] has that chance this week.
— Alec Busse (@alec_busse) September 20, 2021
There are a few injury updates of note.
#illini Bret Bielema: OL Doug Kramer is back. RB Josh McCray is cleared and good to go. RB Chase Brown ans OL Julian Pearl should be good. Hope to have DL Keith Randolph back.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) September 20, 2021
Bielema praises the play C Doug Kramer.
#illini Bret Bielema: I’ve been around a lot of really good centers and (Doug Kramer) is as good as I’ve been around.
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) September 20, 2021
He knew to get OLB Seth Coleman on the field more after Nebraska and Virginia games.
#illini Bret Bielema: Seth Coleman jumped off film after Nebraska. Knew after Virginia that it was time to get him on the field more.
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) September 20, 2021
Bielema talked about being able to recruit the Illinois area and how important that is.
#Illini Bielema: “For us to be successful here at Illinois we need to build on Illinois high school players.”
— The Schmack Guy (@Ant_Pasquale3) September 20, 2021
Here is the rest of the Illini head coach had to say:
#Illini Bret Bielema: Taz Nicholson has done some good things, played well. We changed some things up defensively that fit him a little bit better.
Praised Tony Adams for volunteering to do different things last week in practice.
— Alec Busse (@alec_busse) September 20, 2021
#Illini Bielema talking about Josh McCray: “The great players I’ve been around, even when it’s wrong it’s right.”
Bielema is very high on McCray, mentioned his ability to ignite a crowd even after a busted play like he did Friday night.
— The Schmack Guy (@Ant_Pasquale3) September 20, 2021
The Illini face the Boilermakers this Saturday at 3:30 ET on BTN.