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Bret Bielema talks Nebraska prep, goals for season and wanting to fill Memorial Stadium

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Kickoff is approaching. In less than two weeks, Illinois will host Nebraska to open the 2021 college football season. Fans will be in attendance and it will be one of the most-anticipated season openers in recent memory.

On Saturday, new Illinois head coach Bret Bielema met with reporters to talk about several topics. First off, he’s excited to get the 2021 campaign kicked off at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Aug. 28.

“I just want to fill this stadium,” Bielema said, per Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer.

https://twitter.com/@JWerner247

Illinois has been focused on itself thus far into fall camp, but Bielema said the attention will turn to the Huskers this week. By Wednesday, the Fighting Illini will start preparing for their Week 0 opponent, hoping to open the year with a win.

Bielema also made it clear that his goals are high for the upcoming season, even though it’s his first with the program. During spring ball, Bielema said he’s “trying to win now,” making it clear that he has no plans to wait for success.

“I have high goals,” Bielema said. “I hope (the players’) goals are even higher.”

Illinois defeated Nebraska last season but finished with a 2-6 record. Nebraska ended the campaign with a 3-5 mark. Both teams are hoping to start the 2021 season with a win.

 

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB