Illinois delivers another near perfect performance to topple a Southeastern Conference opponent in a late December bowl game for back-to-back postseason wins for the first time since 2011.
By Matt Stevens – IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
December 31, 2025
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Illinois head coach Bret Bielema had repeatedly said how much he loathes when good-natured fans mention to him how long it’s been before the Illini football program accomplished something.
As he’s completed his fifth season leading the football program in Champaign-Urbana, the phrase Bielema dislikes hearing the most is ‘did you know it’s been since (fill in the year) since Illinois has (fill in the accomplishment)’ and Bielema was determined on Tuesday night to slow down that kind of talk by seeing his team create its own history.
“We talked a lot about all different kinds of numbers. (Monday night) I got emotional in a team meeting because I saw them that after the Northwestern win that this group has either tied or surpassed a number of records,” Bielema said Tuesday night after the 30-28 win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. “I knew if we got this one that we’d not have to talk about these kind of numbers or read about other years anymore. Usually you either find yourself reading about history or writing history and this group is doing a lot of writing history.”
Run Offense
When asked to describe the game-winning 64-yard drive that led to David Olano’s 29-yard walk-off field goal, Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer shrugged his shoulders before admitting