Illini Head Coach Bret Bielema’s 'White-Out' Comments continues to strike a nerve

Originally posted on Armchair Illini | By Alex Kyi | Last updated Sep 28, 2024 4:19 PM ET

Illini Football’s head coach, Bret Bielema, spoke very highly of the Penn State Nittany Lions ahead of their Saturday evening matchup. Bielema has always lauded his opponents and what they offer. Whether it be Eastern Illinois and head coach Chris Wilkerson, to a Big Ten showdown with Nebraska and Matt Rhule, Bielema consistently applauds his opposition. However, he made one small comment under his breath that has put all eyes on him. In fact, when listening to the entire interview, the comment is not even close to being derogatory or disrespectful.

*conveniently not including the nice things he said about the fanbase, but does have the one small thing he said under his breath* https://t.co/biN6zPtjAI pic.twitter.com/tWZTznuUMv

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) September 24, 2024

The National media speaking on Illini

Despite the very evident and available context, national media has run with the short quote that Bret Bielema muttered under his breath. Also, National media continues to slip up when it comes to takes on the Illini. In a preview of the matchup done by CBS Sports, Chip Patterson called Zakhari Franklin “Zach Franklin”. Though it is simple to have slip-ups, ESPN College gameday continued to harp on the “white-out” energy. Rece Davis suggested that the Illini have “their chest puffed out” and Desmond Howard suggested that “He’s about to eff around and find out”

I think it is rather ridiculous how people are portraying Bret Bielema as some arrogant, unaware coach. The Illini finally have some success and are being portrayed in the wrong light. Later on, ESPN gameday’s crew stated that Pat Bryant, a four-year Illini, came through via the transfer portal. Hopefully, Illinois can continue winning on a national stage through all of the unnecessary noise.

ESPN College GameDay leaning into the "whatever the hell that is" comment from Bielema on "Whiteout Energy."

Rece Davis said Illinois is coming out with its chest puffed out.

Desmond Howard: "He's about to eff around and find out."

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) September 28, 2024

McAfee also said the Illini were a running team last year. They were third in the Big Ten in passing yards per game and ninth in rushing yards per game. https://t.co/Mt8mgwoi79

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) September 28, 2024

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This article first appeared on Armchair Illini and was syndicated with permission.

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