Bret Bielema prepares Illinois for physical matchup against Duke football

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema expressed respect for the physicality of Manny Diaz's Duke squad ahead of their upcoming game in Champaign this Saturday. The two coaches have a history of facing one another, including a meeting at Wallace Wade Stadium last season. Bielema praised the aggressive nature of the Blue Devils' offense and defense when working in tandem. The Illinois staff features a familiar face to the opposition, as Duke defensive ends coach Trent Harris previously worked under Bielema. Despite some initial frustration regarding the staff change, Bielema acknowledged that he originally hired Harris based on a recommendation from Diaz.

• 12:03 PMYahoo Sports — Illinois' Bret Bielema impressed by Duke's physicality