Bielema Reacts to Illinois’ Win Over Purdue, Prepares for No. 1 Ohio State
Despite a performance that was far from perfect, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema was encouraged by his team’s 43–27 road win over Purdue. He acknowledged the Illini made plenty of mistakes but still managed to win comfortably — a sign of progress. However, he was quick to point out that a similar showing won’t cut it against top-ranked Ohio State next week.
On the Win Over Purdue
Bielema emphasized how meaningful it was to win the rivalry game and retain the Cannon trophy for the second year in a row. While praising Purdue for a hard-fought game, he admitted Illinois didn’t play its best football — yet still managed a double-digit win on the road, which he saw as a sign of the team’s growth.
On Quarterback Luke Altmyer
Bielema praised Altmyer’s work ethic and preparation, noting his 390-yard performance felt routine because of his consistent approach. He described Altmyer as one of the best quarterbacks he’s coached, comparing him favorably to players he’s worked with who went on to the NFL.
On Key Moments and Adjustments
He highlighted the importance of the offense’s late first-half scoring drive after a defensive lapse allowed Purdue to score easily. That momentum swing, followed by a key turnover early in the second half, showcased Illinois’ ability to respond under pressure.
On Hank Beatty’s Breakout Performance
Bielema praised Beatty for his instincts and composure, saying both he and Altmyer excel by letting the game come to them. He noted Beatty’s strong connection with the quarterback and said the team will continue to find creative ways to get the ball in his hands.
On Ohio State Coming to Town
Looking ahead, Bielema acknowledged that the Illini will need to be at their absolute best to compete with Ohio State. While he won’t ask his players to be “superhuman,” he stressed that precise execution, health, and preparation will be critical. He called it a moment the team has been training for all year.
On Defensive and Communication Issues
He was candid about defensive breakdowns, especially a costly play before halftime, and took responsibility for late-game communication errors, like a delay of game penalty and misused timeouts. However, he saw these as fixable issues and said the team remains very coachable.
Message to Illinois Fans
Bielema made a direct appeal to Illini fans, asking them to show up early and loud for the Ohio State game. He emphasized the importance of creating a strong home atmosphere against the No. 1 team in the country.
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