Bret Bielema has done wonders with the Illinois football program, but right now, the fanbase seems a bit down.
A 1-1 start is not how the 2026 campaign was planned in many eyes. This was supposed to be a 3-0 non-conference, with the Orange and Blue heading into the game against now-No. 6 Ohio State on the cusp of being ranked.
The Duke loss was a wet blanket. It left a bad taste in a lot of fans’ mouths. Now, Southern Illinois made the trip up for a battle against an FCS program. There isn’t a lot an FBS team can take from an FCS win, but there is one thing that the Illini can start building on with a victory.
Confidence.
Illinois has talent. I know some people are going to push back on that narrative, but I firmly believe this team can beat a lot of teams in college football.
We are literally just one drive away from beating Duke. We had them in the crosshairs, but we didn’t get it done.
On both sides of the ball, it feels like the confidence is at a season low right now. Illinois’ offense couldn’t get anything going in the final three drives of the game when the defense finally woke up.
The Illinois defense got trounced by the Blue Devils for the majority of the game, giving up 31 points to a team that lost a future Heisman Trophy candidate.
Illinois is going to, or should, anyway, tear apart Southern Illinois. It is one of those games where expectations are high for a large margin of victory, so no one is going to be impressed with a blowout.
But what can happen, one thing Illinois can take from a win, is that we can build much-needed confidence. We can actually make tackles on defense and stop the run. Both elements have been missing, but our defense can gain the confidence that they can actually do both things against the Salukis.
I believe this game is going to be good for the Illinois offensive line, too. We have a patchwork group with Brandon Henderson and TJ McMillen out at guard, along with newcomers to the program at every other position.
Getting the offensive line to gel another game while gaining the much-needed confidence that they can actually run and pass block will be great heading into the Ohio State contest.
Confidence in the Illinois football program isn’t just for the players
It will be good for Illinois to see success on the field at every position. That is needed right now, as the Big Ten season is looming large.
Having the Illini look good on Saturday will also be beneficial to the fanbase. We need a confidence boost, as there are some major concerns floating around.
There is always a chance Illinois comes out and doesn’t look great against the Salukis. That is going to be painful if that ends up being the case. It could plummet confidence in the program, and that is not what we need heading into a top-10 matchup.
What needs to happen for Illinois is that both sides of the ball have to be on point against Southern Illinois. Gain the confidence that both the team and the fanbase desperately need right now. I know we are good, but actions speak louder than words.
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