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Bret Bielema recalls near 40-year delay since last time Illinois defeated key trio of B1G foes
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Bret Bielema’s Fighting Illini squad picked up another impressive victory in Week 7, defeating conference rival Minnesota 26-14. That win pushed Illinois to bowl eligibility and a 6-1 overall record to start the season, the best start for the Illini since 2011.
After another impressive conference victory, Bielema commented on his team’s accomplishments, showcasing his knowledge of Illini history.
Illini HC Bret Bielema on his postgame radio show: “The last time we beat Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota in the same year was 1983. I was 13 years old.”
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) October 15, 2022
The stat shows how far the Fighting Illini have come as a program under Bielema. In 2021, Bielema’s first season in Champaign, the Illini lost to Wisconsin and Iowa by double-digits. In 2022 the Illini dominated Wisconsin, winning 34-10 in Week 5. Then, in Week 6, Iowa was defeated 9-6.
The conference schedule for the Illini does not let up with games against Nebraska, Michigan State, and Purdue coming up. Illinois defeated Nebraska in 2021 but lost to Purdue.
The 24th-ranked Illini improve to 6-1 on the season.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.