Here's what Bret Bielema said following season-opening win over Nebraska
Bret Bielema can sleep a little better Saturday night after a successful head coaching debut at Illinois.
It was far from a flawless performance for the team in the Week 0 matchup against Nebraska. The Illini fell behind 9-2 early on and lost starting quarterback Brandon Peters to an injury after getting sacked.
Fortunately, Bielema and company rallied behind backup QB Art Sitkowski, running back Mike Epstein, and a rushing attack that gained 167 yards on the ground. Illinois held on for the 30-22 win to start the year on the right foot and get a conference win under its belt to build on moving forward.
After the game, Bielema discussed what stood out from Week 0. Take a look:
#Illini Bret Bielema:When you win these types of games it just really does build character for your team.
— Alec Busse (@alec_busse) August 28, 2021
Bret Bielema said Deuce Spann’s 45 yard catch was “literally his first play at wide receiver” #Illini
— Nico Haeflinger (@NicoHaeflinger) August 28, 2021
Bret Bielema: When you win these type of games — my wife doesn't like these stressful type moments; I'll probably get chastised for that later tonight — it really does build character with your team. Bret Bielema:
— Scott Richey (@srrichey) August 28, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: "For me, this is a big one from a recruiting standpoint, the Big Ten West" and important to protect home field.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) August 28, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema on radio says Art Sitkowski is "what a quarterback walks like, talks like, sounds like."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) August 28, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema on radio: Don't know severity of Brandon Peters and CJ Hart injuries.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) August 28, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Confirms Brandon Peters' injury was on his left, non-throwing shoulder.
— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) August 28, 2021
Bret Bielema: You can only have one opportunity to win your opener as a head coach. This is a big deal. … For me this was a big one from a recruiting standpoint, in the Big Ten West. #Illini
— Scott Richey (@srrichey) August 28, 2021
#Illini Bret Bielema: I couldn't be happier for our players, especially our seniors who wanted to come back and start this thing off right.
— Alec Busse (@alec_busse) August 28, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Excited to get this win, not only for us but the fans. Though the crowd was awesome, starting with Grange Grove.
"I think throughout the game, you could feel them."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) August 28, 2021
#Illini Bret Bielema on Isaiah Williams: He's a little guy by nature, but you feel him when he walks into a room.
Williams had a TD in his first game at WR since permanently moving to WR
— Alec Busse (@alec_busse) August 28, 2021
