It’s a good start — for a first-year coach it’s always good to start on the right foot, and getting a home-opening win fits the bill.

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema did just that, as his Illini bested visiting Nebraska, 30-22 to get the new Illinois coach into the win column right out of the gate.

After a first half that saw mistakes made by both sides and Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters leaving with an injury, the Illini entered the locker room with a 16-9 lead after a scoop-and-score by C.J. Hart with the half winding down.

Bielema and his staff clearly made adjustments at the half. The opening drive of the second half saw the Illini march down the field, draining down the clock and finding the endzone to set the tone for the second half.

The Illini coach met with the media Monday afternoon, updating the team’s injury situation touching on some of the game’s highlights.

Here is some of what Bielema had to say.