League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Bielema discusses Big Ten surprises and Illinois loss to Duke

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 2:47 PM

Last updated Sep 15, 2026

Bielema discusses Big Ten surprises and Illinois loss to Duke

Summary

Illinois coach Bret Bielema reflected on recent upsets in the Big Ten after No. 1 Ohio State lost to No. 4 Texas and No. 6 Oregon fell to Oklahoma State. Bielema noted that the of college football is changing rapidly, citing Illinois' own loss to Duke, 31-27, as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. He emphasized the challenge ahead, stating that teams can flip their fortunes in just a year or two, referencing Indiana's turnaround under coach Curt Cignetti. Illinois will face Southern Illinois next, a team they have never lost to in previous matchups. The game is scheduled for kickoff at 1 p.m. on September 16, 2026.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Illinois lost 31-27 to Duke on September 9, 2026.
•Ohio State lost to Texas; Oregon fell to Oklahoma State.
•Bielema emphasizes a changing college football.
•Southern Illinois' game against Illinois kicks off at 1 p.m. on September 16, 2026.
•The Illini have never lost to an FCS school.

Latest Updates

2:47 PMYahoo Sports — Bielema on upset Saturday in Big Ten: 'It's such a different world in college football'

What they're saying

"
Sep. 15—CHAMPAIGN — The top of the Big Ten imploded on Saturday. No. 1 Ohio State lost at No. 4 Texas (no shame there) and No. 6 Oregon got knocked off by 0-1 Oklahoma State (shame there). Get used to the upsets, Illinois coach Bret Bielema said Monday afternoon at Gies Memorial Stadium. "I was sitting on the couch with my wife watching the end of the Texas-Ohio State game because we play them ...
— Yahoo Sports

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