Bret Bielema, Illinois looking to shock the world vs. undefeated UCLA

Illinois Football Bret Bielema, Illinois looking to shock the world vs. undefeated UCLA The Illinois Fighting Illini are hoping to shock the football world this weekend when they face undefeated UCLA in Pasadena By James Neveau • Published November 10, 2026 • Updated on November 10, 2026 at 7:18 pm For the first time since the early 1990s the Illinois Fighting Illini are bowl eligible for a third straight season, but they’re hoping to achieve a much bigger feat this week. The Illini, who have won four straight games and are now at 6-3 on the season after beating Nebraska in Champaign, are facing their toughest test of the season on Friday night as they take on undefeated UCLA at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE UCLA is currently ranked in the top-five thanks to their incredible 9-0 start under new head coach Bob Chesney, but Bret Bielema and the Illini are hoping to spoil that run under the bright lights Friday. Bielema praised his team Tuesday during an interview with Lou Canellis, crediting their tenacity and ability to overcome adversity in winning four games in a row after starting the season 2-3. “I think more than anything, we just kind of stay true to who we are. I think life is always kind of in the highs and lows, right? I think we've got to ride the highs and get out of the lows, but I always say the best time to be who you are is when it's really bad,” he said. Part of the reason for Illinois’ turnaround has been a much-improved defense. The team fired former defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after just four games, and though they lost their next game to Purdue they have been rolling since, with four straight wins and holding opponents to less than 14 points in each of their last three, including a 21-10 win over Oregon in Champaign. Chicago Sports Bears Injuries Nov 8 Here are the Chicago Bears' inactives vs. the Buccaneers NFL Nov 8 Mike Tirico to miss Sunday's Bears vs. Buccaneers game on NBC Bielema credits the team and the coaching staff for rallying together midseason. “We just kept the ball in front of us, stopped giving up big plays and plays that hurt you in a short amount of time,” he said. “So it's really been fun to watch (interim defensive coordinator) Roger Cooper. But I would also tell you our entire defensive staff kind of buckled up and is really putting our guys in a good position. They're believing and they’re having a lot of fun.” Stunningly, Friday will mark the first time the Illini have played at the Rose Bowl since Jan. 1, 2008, when they were walloped by USC in the iconic bowl game. They have not beaten UCLA at the Rose Bowl since 1963, and hold a 6-6 all-time record against the Bruins. Calling the Rose Bowl a “sacred place,” Bielema said his team is aware of the opportunity they have in their first showdown with the Bruins since UCLA joined the Big Ten. “I think any college football coach or player would tell you if they played a game or coached a game in a Rose Bowl, they've seen something very, very unique and special,” he said. “That's what we'll have on Friday night.” This article tagged under: Illinois Football