Illini Football 2023

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#526      
I am more a basketball fan than a football one (because we hardly won any FB games when I was at Illinois), but I have lots of friends that went to Arkansas & BB is HATED there. I get SEC football Is way different than the BIG but man he is not welcome in that state. They all say to "wait to put the statute up"!
 
#527      
You can double check me on this, but the last back to back 8 win seasons was a stretch of roaring success back in 1901 through 1904 where we won 8 or more games in consecutive seasons.

If we ever become a consistent 8 win team, build Belima's statue before he retires so he can enjoy his bronziness.

While I dabble in the orange koolaid from time to time, we are messing with some serious historical things here should games break in our favor.
89 and 90 we won 10 and 8 respectively, but your point still stands.
Since joining the Big Ten in 1953 we've only had back-to-back winning records a few times.
1959-1960 (barely)
1963-1965 (3 year stretch)
1981-1985 (5 year stretch)
1989-1990
2010-2011 (barely)

If you use your 8 game win total or equivalent wining percentage for when they used to play fewer games, we're left with:
1963-1964
1983-1984
1989-1990

That is a SAD history. We've been bad since I can remember, (2001/2007 were the exceptions) but I always thought we had a pretty decent history. Looking at these records on sports-reference, that is not the case. We had a run with Butkus and a decent 10 year stretch in the 80s-90s; otherwise we've been bad.

Gives me an even great appreciation for this staff.
 
#529      

Dbell1981

Decatur, IL
I am more a basketball fan than a football one (because we hardly won any FB games when I was at Illinois), but I have lots of friends that went to Arkansas & BB is HATED there. I get SEC football Is way different than the BIG but man he is not welcome in that state. They all say to "wait to put the statute up"!
I can understand their feelings. I believe we have a completely different Bielema than they had 10 years ago. I believe he has learned much from his past and is applying those life lessons here. Im not saying build a statue now but im saying he is a changed man from those days it seems.
 
#530      

blackdog

Champaign
#531      
I am more a basketball fan than a football one (because we hardly won any FB games when I was at Illinois), but I have lots of friends that went to Arkansas & BB is HATED there. I get SEC football Is way different than the BIG but man he is not welcome in that state. They all say to "wait to put the statute up"!
That kind of vitriol can be quite a humbling experience. I think Bret is showing how you come out the other side with a new perspective and personal and professional growth.
 
#533      
That kind of vitriol can be quite a humbling experience. I think Bret is showing how you come out the other side with a new perspective and personal and professional growth.
Arkansas is a pretty darn tough coaching job. Alabama and LSU are top 5 level programs. With the right coach, A&M is a top 10 level program. Ole Miss and Auburn are top 20 level programs. That leaves Arkansas and Miss State at the bottom fighting over bread crumbs. I don't know much about Miss State's fan base, but I do know the Arkansas fan base is delusional
 
#535      
That kind of vitriol can be quite a humbling experience. I think Bret is showing how you come out the other side with a new perspective and personal and professional growth.

As someone with a 5 in front of my age, I can attest that many people starting turning their heads to what legacy they leave behind, as BB mentioned. And some people who were somewhat brash or arrogant in their 40s learn to smooth the rough edges. BB is clearly acting like a coach who knows he has a great opportunity, because there are only so many jobs in the B1G and SEC. He gets to think long term, has a partner in JW who thinks the same way, and seems focused on building.

Just like in all jobs, sometimes you can be awful at X and amazing at Y, and I think Bret found a great spot (and I'm glad he is here).
 
#537      
I am more a basketball fan than a football one (because we hardly won any FB games when I was at Illinois), but I have lots of friends that went to Arkansas & BB is HATED there. I get SEC football Is way different than the BIG but man he is not welcome in that state. They all say to "wait to put the statute up"!
I 100% believe that Arkansas fans would say that!
 
#538      
That kind of vitriol can be quite a humbling experience. I think Bret is showing how you come out the other side with a new perspective and personal and professional growth.
There is a lot to be said about the impact that age, maturity, life experiences, and raising a family can have on a person. When you become more focused on others instead of yourself you become a better human being.
 
#541      
I can understand their feelings. I believe we have a completely different Bielema than they had 10 years ago. I believe he has learned much from his past and is applying those life lessons here. Im not saying build a statue now but im saying he is a changed man from those days it seems.
last year at Arkansas 2017.
 
#544      
#545      
I am more a basketball fan than a football one (because we hardly won any FB games when I was at Illinois), but I have lots of friends that went to Arkansas & BB is HATED there. I get SEC football Is way different than the BIG but man he is not welcome in that state. They all say to "wait to put the statute up"!
Just curious 3 point.....what's your point? I'd be surprised if many on this forum gave 2 sh*ts about what Arkansas fans think of him. It's early in my thoughts on what he's accomplished to date, but so far so good. (y)
 
#546      
Just curious 3 point.....what's your point? I'd be surprised if many on this forum gave 2 sh*ts about what Arkansas fans think of him. It's early in my thoughts on what he's accomplished to date, but so far so good. (y)
He's 13-12 as a coach here. Dont build the statute yet.
 
#547      

lstewart53x3

Scottsdale, Arizona
He's 13-12 as a coach here. Dont build the statute yet.
Average number of B1G wins per year in the 13 years proceeding BB:

2

Average number of B1G wins in BB’s first 2 years:

4.5

Number of times we went better than .500 in the B1G the 13 years before BB:

0/13

Number of times we’ve been better than .500 in the B1G since hiring BB:

1/2

+ The program has a positive news media for the first time since 2007?

+ We’re recruiting better than we have for the past decade.

We just had a player selected #6 in the NFL draft. We return 10 all conference players from a year ago (4th most in the big ten). We have one of the top defensive coordinators in the nation on staff as an analyst.

No statue yet, but if he keeps this up, there just might be one in the future.
 
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