Cocky or confident? Why Bret Bielema should be bullish about Illinois’ College Football Playoff chances

It’s hard to blame Bret Bielema for feeling good about himself these days. In the last few months, the outspoken Illinois coach has done battle with fellow coaches, be it on social media or, more famously, on the field with South Carolina coach Shane Beamer during a 21-17 win over the Gamecocks in the Citrus Bowl.

That win was Illinois’ 10th for the season, marking the program’s first 10-win feat since 2001 (10-2) under the leadership of Ron Turner.

Bielema’s confidence shouldn’t be mistaken as only a celebration of his 2024 team, though. It’s more about what he believes he can accomplish next. Bielema has every reason to believe the success Illinois experienced on the field last season will continue into this year, and possibly beyond.

Bielema may have had his tongue planted firmly in his cheek when debating Lane Kiffin on social media about their respective playoff cases, but it’s no secret he thinks the Illini can compete for a College Football Playoff spot in 2025.

It’s the kind of belief that causes college football fans around the country to raise an eyebrow, including Illini fans themselves. It is, after all, extremely out of character for the program.

For more than 70 years now, it’s been nearly impossible for Illinois to sustain success. The program claimed four national titles under Robert Zuppke from 1914 to 1927, and then another in 1951, but all of of them came before the program joined the Big Ten in 1953. 

Since then, for every successful season, there have been three or four bad ones. There was a resurgence in the late 1980s under John Mackovic when the Illini went to four straight bowl games — the only time Illinois ever made three straight bowl games, let alone four — but Mackovic left for Texas in 1992. His…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/cocky-or-confident-why-bret-bielema-should-be-bullish-about-illinois-college-football-playoff-chances/

Author : Tom Fornelli

Publish date : 2025-03-03 18:36:00

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