Associated Press Bielema, surging Illini collect AP Big Ten midseason honors Second-year coach Bret Bielema and his Illinois football team are achieving at a rate not seen in the program in a long time. The No. 24 Illini (5-1, 2-1) are ranked for the first time since 2011, out to their best start since ‘11, coming off their first win over Iowa since 2008 and a sweep of the Hawkeyes and Wisconsin in the same season for the first time since 1989. Bielema and his Illini are well represented in The Associated Press’ Big Ten midseason awards.
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