Bret Bielema reacts to thrilling Illinois victory over USC: 'Our reputation was put on this field'

No. 23 Illinois edged No. 21 USC 34-32 in an absolute thriller, giving Bret Bielema and crew quite the bounce back win. After getting blasted by Big Ten foe Indiana last week, the Illini fought off controversy and a rollercoaster of emotions to come out with the win at home.

David Olano’s game-winning 41-yard kick at the buzzer was the icing on the cake, immediately after USC took a stunning lead. Up 31-17, Bielema and crew had USC on the ropes until the Trojans mustered a touchdown with a two point conversion and then a go ahead score.

But a brilliant nine-play, 51 yard drive engineered by Luke Altmyer at the end gave Illinois their fourth win of the season. Bielema and his squad gave the Trojans their first loss of the year.

“You know, there’s two things that money can’t buy, time and your reputation,” Bielema told FOX’s Jenny Taft postgame. “And our reputation was put on this field, and I think we answered it … David Olano is the best figure I’ve ever been around. I knew if we got to the 40 yard line, we got points, and we did exactly that. Great protection, great execution by our quarterback and our offense.”

Bielema followed it up by saying they’ll enjoy the win but there will be another “great opportunity” for a win against Purdue next week.

Illinois, Bret Bielema win thriller over USC

The first half had a little controversy. Leading 14-7, Illinois running back Kaden Feagin appeared to fumble the football and it was recovered by USC’s Jahkeem Stewart. Feagin appeared to have the ball ripped out at the two-yard line with the Illini leading 14-7 with 49 seconds left in the second quarter.

But, Feagin appeared to be down by contact and had both hands on the football. However, even after review, officials on-scene upheld the call. Bielema and company were not pleased.

As soon as USC began the ensuing drive, they marched 29 yards in two plays. Getting to midfield, Illini fans were certainly weary. Then, Illinois challenged a 24-yard completion for Jayden Maiava to Lake McRee. They lost the challenge and USC had a first down at the Illinois 21-yard line with 26 seconds left.

USC ended the drive with a 21-yard field goal from Ryon Sayeri to cut the lead 14-10. The controversial call wasn’t too costly, but it certainly swung the game. A 10-point swing to be exact!

Illinois is back in action at Purdue next week on October 4th. The game is set for a 12:00 p.m. ET kickoff.