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Greetings from “Can’t Wait For Saturday,” your morning morsel of college football, courtesy of longtime Illini beat writer, AP Top 25 voter and Heisman state rep Bob Asmussen. He’ll give you his views each day on the game he loves.
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It has been a good, albeit busy, week for Illinois coach Bret Bielema.
On Monday, he celebrated his wedding anniversary with wife Jen and also made his way to the packed Esquire for his first appearance on Monday’s “SportsTalk.” Hopefully, he will be back soon.
On Wednesday, Bielema opened his fifth spring session as Illinois coach. With a talented, experienced team returning, expectations are high. That’s what he wanted to have happen when he took over in 2021.
On Thursday, Bielema mingled with NFL scouts and supported his departing players during their Pro Day at the Irwin Indoor Facility. The more exes that make NFL rosters, the better for showcasing the Illinois program. Receiver Pat Bryant is the next in line with a big number going after the 2025 season.
Also this week, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman released his list of the nation’s Top 25 football coaches. Bielema made the cut at No. 24, one of seven from the Big Ten included. He joined Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Penn State’s James Franklin, Southern California’s Lincoln Riley, Indiana’s Curt Cignetti and Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz. Good company to keep. Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell, Nebraska’s Matt Rhule and Washington’s Jeff Fisch just missed.
Of Bielema, Feldman wrote: “The former Iowa nose guard is an excellent fit in the Big Ten. He has pumped much-needed life into Illinois football.
“The Illini finished No. 16 and appear primed to be in…
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Publish date : 2025-03-15 14:55:00
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