As he enters his fifth season as the Illinois coach expectations are high for Bret Bielema and the Illini. Illinois was 10-3 last season, including a win over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl. It was the program’s first 10-win season since 2001 and Bielema says it has changed the perception of the program.

Bielema says it is a new season and a new challenge.

A key stretch in the schedule begins in week four against Indiana and concludes with a week seven game against Ohio State before the Illini have their bye week.

Bielema says the addition of USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington has completely changed the Big Ten Conference he played and coached in while at Iowa.

Bielema made his comments at Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas. Illinois opens at home on August 29th against Western Illinois.