Bret Bielema wanted to make sure everyone knew how much he supported receivers coach George McDonald. He talked about it at Monday’s press conference.

The Fighting Illini handled business against another B1G West foe on Saturday, beating Nebraska 26-9.

Bielema wanted to highlight the job that McDonald has done so far, calling him the best WR coach in the nation. Illinois’ receivers totaled 179 yards receiving in the win.

“I hired him because I thought he was the best wide receivers coach in the country,” said Bielema.

Isaiah Williams led all Illinois wideouts with 93 yards receiving and 1 touchdown. Quarterback Tommy DeVito completed 20 out his 22 attempts through the air and had 2 touchdowns as well.

Illinois is now 7-1 under Bielema in his second year at the helm. The game to watch this season for the Fighting Illini might be the B1G West brawl with Purdue on Nov. 12.

Bielema has to earn a win against Michigan State first. Michigan State-Illinois starts at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday on BTN.