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Coach Bret Bielema's Illinois Fighting Illini football team is scheduled to take on in-state program Southern Illinois on Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium in what fans hope will be a rebound from Week 2's loss to Duke. 

The Fighting Illini athletic program has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years and basketball coach Brad Underwood is a big part of it. Underwood led Illinois hoops to a 28-9 record and Final Four appearance last season, now he's in line for another big honor according to coach Bielema. 

Underwood to Serve as Captain

Underwood will serve as the Illini's guest captain against the Salukis, bringing a winning pedigree and immense love for Illinois to Gies. The news was announced by reporter Glenn Kinley of WCIA-3 Champaign. 

The Illini basketball coach was hired in March 2017 to replace former coach John Groce. He has a 193-110 record with Illinois, good for a 63.7% winning percentage. He's led Illinois to six straight NCAA Tournament appearances along with one regular season Big Ten title, two Big Ten Tournament titles and last year's Final Four berth. 

Underwood's winning attitude appears to have rubbed off on Bielema and the football program as they have won two straight bowl games over SEC opponents. Bielema and the Fighting Illini football team could use a boost in morale after last weekend's deflating 31-27 loss to Duke that came after a 24-21 halftime lead. 

Bielema Preaches Perspective After Tough Loss 

Bielema is hoping for a more well rounded performance against the Salukis, whom the Fighting Illini are 39.5-point favorites against.

"I don't want the things that we experienced on Saturday to become the norm or become accepted," he said according to Jeremy Werner of 247Sports.com.  

Illinois' mastery in close games dissolved in one half of play against last year's ACC champs. Quarterback Katin Houser threw a costly late interception that led to a sinking feeling Bielema and his team had nearly forgotten.

"So we just haven't felt that way in a long time," Bielema said. "It's the first time we've lost a one-score game since 2024 against Minnesota in November. 

"So we've usually come through in those moments, and obviously it's a new group: offense, defense, players, coaches, special teams. The worst crime committed for us (would be) to not take that moment as a moment to take advantage of the adversity we're feeling." 

Illinois will look for more well-rounded production in the passing game after Collin Dixon led the way with 166 yards last weekend but was followed by Hudson Clement on the stat sheet with just 45 yards. 

Illinois' talented tight ends room has been mostly quiet this season which could be an area of focus for Bielema, offensive coordinator Barry Lunney, Jr. and quarterback Katin Houser.

With Ohio State next up on September 26 in Columbus, Ohio, Illinois needs to find another playmaker, two or three against the Salukis. Dixon and Houser have been impressive, but winning in a mega conference like the Big Ten will take far more of a team approach on offense. 

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