Illinois making final preparations ahead of week one

CHAMPAIGN (WCIA) — Game day is quickly approaching for the Illini, who open the season with an atypical Thursday night matchup against EIU.

On Tuesday, Head Coach Bret Bielema offered one last round of updates ahead of the team’s first game action.

Bielema announced kicker David Olano will take charge of field goals and extra points, while Texas A&M transfer Ethan Moczulski will handle kickoffs.

Entering his 16th season as a college head coach and his fourth at Illinois, Bielema has learned to adapt to the constantly changing demands of his job..

“You’ve gotta adapt to the times, I think that’s the biggest challenge is just dealing with the things that college football brings now,” Bielema said.

The roster attrition, the NIL world, the portal world. We’re having conversations as much with our third-string right tackle as much as our first-string right tackle because some day, he’s gonna be the starter.”

Bielema added that defensive back Miles Scott will handle the in-helmet communication for the defense against the Panthers.

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