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Bret Bielema ‘proud’ of Illini players, coaches who stepped up in his absence
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Although they played tough against Iowa, Illinois lost to the Hawkeyes, 33-23. It looked like at least in the first quarter, that the Illini were going to pull the upset. That 10-0 start wasn’t enough, though.
The Illini also had to go into battle without head coach Bret Bielema who was diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier in the week. Bielema said he was proud of his team’s and his coach’s efforts without him on the sideline.
Illini Football | Coach McDonald Press Conference at Iowa 11/20/21 – YouTube
Proud of all our players and coaches today in our FamILLy. Topped off by @CoachGMcDonald and this press conference after a tough loss. Better days ahead #ILL https://t.co/0Zr4IxVbfi
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) November 21, 2021
With Saturday’s loss, Illinois was knocked out of bowl contention, suffering its 7th loss of the year. The Fighting Illini They’ll take a 4-7 record into the season finale against rival Northwestern next Saturday.
It will be Illinois’ final game of the 2021 season and will also serve as Senior Day. The Illini are hoping to put an end to a 6-game losing streak to the Wildcats.