First-year Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema generated headlines and controversy when he seemed to take shots at his current roster and also the program’s previous regime during comments made earlier this week:
#Illini Bret Bielema not holding back about his roster today, especially OL:
— Bret Beherns (@WCIA3Bret) October 18, 2021
"I don't believe we have a player in the 2-deep that they've recruited here over the last 3 years that is really significantly doing anything for us in the playing department, that's a major concern" pic.twitter.com/CSvWn0MmJD
Per Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, Bielema attempted to clear the air Thursday and said he's been "very complimentary about the staff and the players that they've left us, repeatedly." He also confirmed that he's spoken with his current players about his words.
"I was stating facts about where we are when I mentioned offensive linemen and defensive linemen," Bielema explained. "That is a position of need because of numbers, not because of who I do or don't have. We don't have the numbers at the offensive and defensive line, which is a premium in our program. We went from a defensive front that has two defensive linemen to now the one that has three defensive linemen, so we don't have the numbers. That's strictly it.
"If you want to take it in any other direction, that's your prerogative, but that's not the intent whatsoever, and it wasn't anything derogatory at the past staff."
While Bielema added his players responded positively after meeting with them, he said his original words were "completely taken out of context" by media members searching for "clickbait" while covering a 2-5 team.
Unfortunately for Bielema and company, things get no easier for them this Saturday, as Illinois play at the No. 7-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions.
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