When I started researching for this column, I was going for a completely different article.
On The Champaign Room, the nostalgia had been working wonders on views, readsers, and time spent on the site. So, with Bielema being of a offensive linemen stature and his love of winning the football game in the trenches, I was going to do a two-part column reviewing the best offensive and defensive lines Illinois has ever had and a column comparing the 2023 lines to the best of the past.
But then I was reminded of this statement made by Bielema two seasons ago:
#Illini Bret Bielema not holding back about his roster today, especially OL:
"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.