Suffice it to say that the die was set in stone on Nebraska’s 2021 season before halftime of the very first game of the season. Horrific special teams play, bad penalties and turnovers started Nebraska’s season out the wrong way, and Illinois was more than capable to take advantage of it. It didn’t look like it for the longest while, as the Illini didn’t win another conference game until a nine-overtime stinkfest in Happy Valley. After the 20-18 victory over then #7 Penn State, Illinois also beat Minnesota and Northwestern to finish Bert Bielema’s first season at 5-7.
That’s definitely an upgrade over a 2-6 record in 2020, so call it a successful debut for Bielema.