Illinois Football: Illini have a chance to complete long-awaited turnaround

January 2 is an essential day in Illinois football history, meaning more with a win.

The Illini will look to cap off its best season in over a decade Monday afternoon against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Illinois saw a massive jump in Bret Bielema’s second season, qualifying for a bowl game in early October and winning critical games against Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. This feat had not been accomplished in the same season since the 1980s.

To add to the success, Illinois also saw itself in contention for the Big Ten West title until the final week of the regular season, something that had not been possible for over a decade.

Behind the nation’s leading rusher in Chase Brown, and the No.1 scoring defense in the FBS, the Illini dominated its opposition, getting off to a 7-1 start after only winning five games in 2021.

On the verge of a potential nine-win year, Bielema spoke to the media ahead of the bowl game and has been proud of his group’s immediate improvement.

"“Very excited to be here,” Bielema said Thursday. “Just came from the practice field. We really enjoyed our time here. Came down on the 26th. Some great interaction. Today they’re getting a chance to go to Busch Gardens, excited about that. This for us is Tuesday of game week, so we’re locked into our preparation phase now. Still letting them bounce, a little bit of fun during the day, partaking of some of the things the bowl game has set up for us.”"

Bielema also recognizes that Monday is more than just football.

"“Obviously had a chance to visit with Zach at the press conference,” Bielema continued. “From our fan base and university, obviously condolences for Mike, a very special coach. I know someone that’s on our hearts and minds for him and his family but also Mississippi State. I think this game is about the reward for our guys that went through a really kind of a tale of two different seasons. Start off a little disappointment with a Big Ten loss at Indiana, then a six-game winning streak, then three tough losses in a row, rivalry win against Northwestern. Coming here to Tampa, a bowl experience I’ve had with Jim and his organization as a coordinator, head coach also. Very excited to be here. Looking for an opportunity to play on the 2nd. Thank you.”"

Illinois football will look for its first bowl win since 2011.

The Illini have struggled in bowl games historically, going 8-11 in 17 appearances. Their last bowl win came in 2011 in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl against UCLA, as they won 20-14 for their second of a back-to-back stretch of victories in the postseason.

While it was over a decade ago, the Illini have a chance to finally finish what Bielema set out to do upon his hiring in December 2020. A victory in 2023 could serve as a springboard to future success.