Bret Bielema is impressed with his program’s great start to the season through 5 weeks.

Illinois moved to a 4-1 record with a 34-10 win over Wisconsin last week. Bielema took down his former team and started to build serious traction with Illinois. This is Bielema’s 2nd season at Illinois and the program is beginning to blossom into a contender in the B1G.

In an appearance on ESPN’s “Always College Football,” Bielema talked to college football analyst Greg McElroy about his team’s recent success:

“Big picture wise, I would say our coaches are communicating much better to our players this year,” Bielema said. “Our quarterback play each game has really taken it to a different level. Tommy DeVito has really done a nice job, we’re distributing the ball around to a lot of receivers, Chase Brown at the running back position, it’s a very special offense.”

He praised quarterback Tommy DeVito and running back Chase Brown for their growth. DeVito transferred to Illinois in December and won the starting quarterback job. He registered 9 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and 1,121 passing yards for Illinois. DeVito has been assisted by Brown in the running game. Brown has rushed for 4 touchdowns and 733 yards.

Illinois will host Iowa on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.