J Leman reacts to Northwestern win, 9-win Illini season | Illini Inquirer Podcast

All-American linebacker J Leman reacts to Illinois football's 38-28 win over Northwestern and gives his thoughts on the Illini's nine-win season, including why Bret Bielema has had success, evaluating the coordinators and discussing the strengths of the program and areas that must be addressed during the offseason. Then Leman discusses Purdue firing Ryan Walters after two seasons, Ohio State's latest loss to Michigan and the Big Ten Championship Game between Penn State and Oregon.

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[Chief_NW]

2024 was not an accident. Coach said as much on Sunday. A ton of hard work by Bret, his staff, and the players over the past several years. Just shows how hard it is to win at the highest level of CFB. And it shouldn't be taken for granted. Here today, gone tomorrow style. How did we get here? Culture, Coaching, and Commits (kids). We have a foundation in place for future success. But nothing is guaranteed in this game. Just look at Ohio State and that $20M roster. Money doesn't always buy success. Lean on that passing game to set-up the run and protect the defense. Throw to score (early) and run to win (late). That will give us the best chance at our fifth 10-win season, ever.

[trb]

J Leman makes a GREAT point around the 10 minute mark about one of the attributes of this, and other Bielema, teams -- good character. No off-the-field drama. THAT is worth a LOT, IMHO.

[Illini]

Great yr guys. Always very informative and great content.

[jamesbickle]

Loved the Bielema hire instantly. He had a lot of experience in 2 programs. He's from Prophetstown Illinois. Coached under a great Barry Alvarez. He believes in big offensive lines and a power running game. Which will keep you in games. He is focusing on recruiting in state. Illinois has a lot of talent.
Altmeyer has had a great year with low turnovers.

[frankhoban]

Bret has done an amazing job going from horrible to competitive and now competitive to good. Illinois has a big NIL potential of they can get it going. See basketball.

[trb]

For those of us who remember, when Purdue hired Ryan Walters it remind me of UI hiring Lou Tepper. You go from an offensive oriented team like Purdue has been in for decades and you hire a defensive coordinator with no head coaching experience. Oftentimes that is a recipe for trouble.

[andyjaske]

Great year! You guys helped me enjoy this even more. Great insights. I have one question for the Big Ten - who is working their booth review? How can you repeatedly miss calls on video review? Could be incredibly frustrating in the future if that doesn't get fixed.

[robpalandech]

Jeremy... Coach Tepp had two teams with winning records in the league '92 (4-3-1) and'93 (5-3). but of course... winning league records are too unusual for the program!

[marcusrawls]

Jeremy, can you let us know what rankings the players have had in each recruiting class, not nation wide but the total, avg number per class?