We didn’t know what exactly we’d see out of Illinois in Bret Bielema’s first season as head coach.

He didn’t open up much about practices. The public couldn’t watch and the media could only watch 15 minutes. It was all part of his plan to be “an unknown in the world of college football,” especially considering the first game was a conference opponent.

That plan sure worked out in his favor.

His Illini made their presence known in their season-opening, 30-22 victory over Nebraska, though. After a sluggish start, Bielema’s squad looked good in the second half and managed to hold off a late Cornhuskers surge.

If you’re Bielema, it’s the type of game you envisioned in your debut. A season-opening victory over a conference opponent at home.

Now, we have something to break down.

Ditching “Lovie Ball” — eventually

By halftime, Illinois had scored on a safety, a 1-yard run and a scoop-and-score.

That sure sounds a lot like “Lovie Ball,” doesn’t it?

Here’s the thing. Lovie Smith isn’t the head coach anymore. That means Bielema is the one having to, in a way, teach some old dogs new tricks.

He had the Illini playing his way, especially after halftime.

It started with a 75-yard touchdown drive that took more than 8 minutes. Then, after forcing a Nebraska 3-and-out, Illinois scored again quickly on a drive that started with great field position at the Nebraska 47.

That’s how you turn the page. The Bielema Era in Champaign is off to a solid start.

Halftime adjustments make the difference

The first half wasn’t pretty for Bielema’s group.

They lost a fumble, missed a field goal and quarterback Brandon Peters went down with a shoulder injury on the third drive.

The Illini came out for the second half like a whole new team, and that 21-point lead they built was huge down the stretch as Nebraska teased a comeback.

Backup Artur Sitkowski looked more comfortable at QB, especially with that perfectly placed pass to Deuce Spann. The former Rutgers starter finished the day 12-for-15 for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns in relief. Depending on the severity of Peters’ injury, fans might see a lot more of Sitkowski as the season progresses.

Even as Nebraska — notably quarterback Adrian Martinez, who looked at times like the Cornhuskers’ only offense — took advantage of some defensive lapses in the second half and pulled within 8 points, Bielema’s halftime adjustments gave Illinois enough of a push to make a difference.

Sometimes, that’s all you need.

Do expectations change for Illinois?

Expectations weren’t very high for either team heading into this season. Nebraska was tabbed 5th in the B1G West preseason poll and Illinois was picked last out of the 7 teams in the division. On top of that, Cornhuskers coach Scott Frost might have felt his seat get hotter after Saturday’s loss — his 21st loss in 33 games in Lincoln.

So, let’s pose the question: Should our view of Illinois change?

This game gave reason for optimism for Bielema’s first season in town. But it’s not a clear-cut answer either way. Both teams had moments that made fans smile and they both had moments that made their fans throw their hands in the air.

For starters, Nebraska made some self-inflicted mistakes that Illinois capitalized on — the safety, the lost fumble, two 15-yard penalties on one play and 2 missed extra-point attempts all stand out.

The Illini also made their share of miscues. They lost a fumble, missed a field goal and, of course, let a 21-point lead turn into an 8-point lead. Watching Martinez run through the line untouched multiple times, particularly on his 75-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, also wasn’t a good sight for Bielema or Illinois fans.

But let’s not overreact. This was just the first game of a new coaching regime. And it ended with a W.

Either way, this is the type of game Illinois needed to open this new chapter. A home victory over a conference opponent to start the season. As Bielema gets the scheme in place and finally gets his players to move on from “Lovie Ball,” the season is all about building things up.

The program sure looks like it’s in capable hands.

Cover photo via Twitter: @IlliniFootball