Illinois never stood a real chance against top-ranked Ohio State, falling 34–16 in a game that grew uglier by the quarter. Bret Bielema’s team trailed 20–3 at halftime, struggling to generate momentum on either side of the ball.
The Buckeyes controlled possession, outgained Illinois in every category, and dictated the pace with ease. Early defensive stands gave way to breakdowns, and the offense looked predictable and hesitant against Ohio State’s aggressive front.
The loss has intensified frustration among fans, who see little progress under Bielema despite his promises of toughness and discipline. Illinois’ offense continues to sputter in big games, and the defense struggles to hold its own against elite competition.
Online chatter has turned harsh, with growing calls for the program to consider a coaching change.
“Bret Bielema is awful,” a fan wrote.
Bret Bielema is awful.
— Blue- B2B Natty SZN (@blue_72) October 11, 2025
“Bret Bielema is the Nick Saban of “methodical” defensive substitutions that drain the play clock and force the other team to call a timeout,” senior writer for The Athletic, Justin Williams, presented his analysis.
Bret Bielema is the Nick Saban of “methodical” defensive substitutions that drain the play clock and force the other team to call a timeout.
— Justin Williams (@Williams_Justin) October 11, 2025
“Bret Bielema gettin smoked>>>” a fan wrote.
“If you have the ball on the 1 inch line, you deserve to be shot for not going under center. Looking at you Bret Bielema,” a fan wrote.
“Bret Bielema after Illinois being exposed as a frauds lmao,” a fan wrote.
“Illinois is not even competitive against any team thats ranked really not sure what Bret Bielema does,” a fan wrote.
The Fighting Illini tried their best in the second half, but the flaws from the first half didn’t allow them to make a comeback. The game ended 34-16 as the Buckeyes kept their unbeaten streak alive. They have now won all six games this season so far.
Bret Bielema had a Game Plan for OSU
Bret Bielema acknowledged earlier in the week that Ohio State brings a dangerous mix of talent and balance to the field. While most of the attention has centered on the Buckeyes’ high-powered passing game, their rushing attack has been equally dangerous, averaging over 170 yards per game.
Knowing the challenge ahead, Bielema and his staff have worked to prepare a defensive plan aimed at containing Jackson’s impact and minimizing explosive plays through the air.
Their focus has been on tightening run gaps, keeping deep coverage disciplined, and preventing Ohio State’s playmakers from taking over the game.
“I think, to keep the ball in front of us, we’ve got to tackle efficiently,” Bielema said. “I think, to stay on track, [we need to] be early-down successful. But they take these moments, these little specific times where they try to make an explosive play by a special alignment shift, motion, trade, and we’ve got to be aware of those moments when they happen.”
Despite his awareness of the opposition’s strengths, Bielema failed to make any real impact against the Buckeyes.
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