Illinois Football: What to expect in Bret Bielema’s debut season?

Schedule/predictions

The schedule for Illinois in 2021 isn’t incredibly difficult. The crossover opponents from the Big Ten East are Penn State, Maryland, and Rutgers. So no Ohio State, Indiana, or Michigan.

The non-conference schedule also isn’t overly tasking. A road game at Virginia is the toughest test while a pair of Group-of-Five home games await.

Honestly, a bowl game isn’t out of the realm of possibility for the Fighting Illini especially if they can win the opener — a home game against Nebraska. Here’s a game-by-game prediction:

• Game 1: vs Nebraska (L) — This is a tough opener. Nebraska really needs this game too and the Huskers are a veteran team good enough to win in Champaign.
• Game 2: vs UTSA (W) — Illinois will bounce back from a season-opening loss and Bielema gets his fist win as head coach.
• Game 3: at Virigina (L) — Virginia has been building and last year posted a 5-5 record, as well as a 4-1 mark at home. That’s going to be tough to overcome for this Illinois squad which loses a competitive game.
• Game 4: vs Maryland (W) — I’m not a firm believer in Maryland and by this time of the season, Bielema’s impact will start to be felt in a minor upset.
• Game 5: at Purdue (L) — Winning on the road is tough in the Big Ten and this will be a battle but Purdue takes this one.
• Game 6: vs Charlotte (W) — This won’t be an easy win but Illinois just has too much talent for the 49ers.
• Game 7: vs Wisconsin (L) — The Badgers are the favorite in the Big Ten West for a reason and Bielema won’t have the magic touch against his old team.
• Game 8: at Penn State (L) — Penn State surged at the end of last season and looks like it will be a top-10 caliber team in 2021.
• Game 9: vs Rutgers (L) — Don’t overlook Rutgers which could be pushing for a bowl game and this is a toss-up.
• Game 10: at Minnesota (L) — The Fighting Illini will be improving at this point in the season but not enough to beat the Gophers on the road.
• Game 11: at Iowa (L) — The Hawkeyes are a viable contender in the Big Ten in 2021 and they also play dominant football in November.
• Game 12: vs Northwestern (W) — In the final game of the season and one that Illinois needs to win against its in-state rival, Bielema and company give fans a reason to be optimistic heading into 2022.

Prediction: 4-8 overall, 2-7 conference

Honestly, if things work out, a bowl game is a possibility. Bielema is going to give Illinois football a hard-nosed identity and should help them return to playing winning football.

However, the lack of consistency at the quarterback position will be tough to overcome. Peters has notched some nice wins in his career including a road win at Michigan State back in 2019, so he can be solid but it’s hard to see him playing his best consistently.

Yet, if the running game reaches its potential, six wins is doable with this schedule.