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The Illinois Fighting Illini will chase after their 10th win in their last 14 games next Thursday against the UAB Blazers at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. 

The game will provide an opportunity for the Fighting Illini to start their season off on the right foot against an opponent they are heavily favored to beat. 

On Wednesday, Fighting Illini coach Bret Bielema was asked about a special game day tradition involving his wife and daughters that leads to a significant amount of joy among he and his team's fans, but doesn't happen every weekend. 

'Run-Out Games' and the Bielema Family 

Coach Bielema, his wife Jennifer, and daughters Brexli and Briella are known to celebrate big wins with Bret Bielema on the field as part of what's been referred to as a "run out game," or celebration after a Fighting Illini victory. 

Bielema was asked about the growing tradition by Jake Bedell of WAND, a Central Illinois news station.

"Some of my favorite memories in my time covering the U of I, and after the game, seeing you on the field, you've got your wife, your kids, your daughter up there on your shoulder with ya, why are occasions like that so special?" Bedell asked Bielema. 

"You know, it's something I've grown into, obviously 2006, my first year as a head coach, I didn't even know my wife, I didn't know her til three years later and definitely didn't have my children obviously," Bielema replied. 

"To grow in that moment and to have the perspective now as a head coach, as a father and a husband, they've grown, we've grown, I don't really think about those moments til I'm in 'em, they call it a run out game which means after we win they get to run out on the field and give me a hug.

"They always want to ask me, is this a run out game? I'm like baby, well, I don't really know until after the game. But my wife and I really have enjoyed the journey, and to be here in the Champaign community, they're involved heavily in dance and a couple other activities around town and that's really special. 

Bielema will have a chance to make his family proud next Thursday against UAB. 

Illini Run Out Celebration vs. UAB?

The Fighting Illini are favored by 28.5 points heading into Week 1 against the Blazers this coming Thursday, a game that suddenly looks a bit tougher after Bielema announced transfer receiver Jayshon Platt will miss it. 

The Fighting Illini's receiver room will be led by Collin Dixon and Hudson Clement with up-and-coming redshirt freshman Brayden Trimble among the players pushing for playing time behind him. 

The Illinois running game could take center stage with Aidan Laughery and Ca'Lil Valentine waiting in the wings to show what they can do on opening night in Champaign. 

If the Illini play up to their potential, another Bielema family run-out seems likely, if not inevitable, but college football is often unpredictable as coach Bielema and his coaching staff know all too well.  

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