Lincoln Riley‘s USC and Bret Bielema‘s Illinois meet for the first time as B1G foes, bringing back a rivalry that stretches all the way to 1936. Their last clash? The 2008 Rose Bowl, where the Trojans rolled 49-17. Just like that, USC dominates the series, leading 11-2. And this season, the Trojans arrive undefeated at 4-0, averaging 51 PPG while piling up 253 rushing yards, one of the nation’s top ground attacks. Meanwhile, Illinois is struggling, dropping to 0-1 in B1G action after a 63-10 loss at Indiana. Still, QB Luke Altmyer has kept the offense afloat, completing 70% of his passes for nine TDs, providing hope that the Illini can make a statement. To cap it off now, Bret Bielema’s latest adjustment to rebound from the Week 4 disaster is sending a big warning to Riley’s USC.

Although SP+ projects USC to edge Illinois 34-26, giving the Trojans a 7.6-point margin of victory and a 68% chance to win outright. Even the betting lines mirror the prediction, with USC favored by 6.5 points and the total set at 60.5 points on FanDuel. Still, don’t count Illinois out just yet. But why? HC Bret Bielema is pulling out all the stops to rally his team and engineer a bounce-back against the Trojans. Now, while this one promises to be a showdown, the Illini seem ready to make it count.

On September 28, in the pregame build-up, WCIA3’s Glenn Kinley reported some key insights from FOX Sports’ Rob Stone on how Illinois can find success against USC. “I think the biggest key for Illinois is moving on,” said Stone. Now, while the Illini had to shake off last Saturday’s loss at Bloomington, HC Bret Bielema made it clear he was taking responsibility. Then Stone added that Bielema was so committed, he even broke out the IU film on the bus ride home last weekend. “He never does that. He said, ‘This one is on me,'” explained Stone. So, Bielema was clearing the slate and refocusing the team. And what’s next for Illinois?

Here, Stone pointed to a few critical areas. “They need to start better. Starts have been an issue all season. They need to protect Luke Altmyer better—that’s been a challenge for a while. And they need to feed off this energy.” But with homecoming setting the stage, Stone added, “I think this is a great setting for Illinois to have one of those great bounce-back Saturdays.” So, the Illini have a chance to turn the page and make a statement.

Illinois showed a brief glimmer when Altmyer connected with Collin Dixon for a TD, but it was quickly snuffed out because Indiana grabbed control from the opening whistle, storming to a 35-7 lead. Then the Illini defense was already depleted, missing two starters and losing safety Miles Scott to a targeting ejection. But Indiana’s RPO game carved through the secondary and crushed light boxes, making Illinois look over-matched. So even at full strength, stopping an IU offense that ripped off big plays would have been a tall order. But now, against the Trojans, Bret Bielema’s team looks prepared, even if Indiana’s coach has a bold prediction.

Bret Bielema could be facing a formidable test

USC travels to Illinois for a high-stakes top-25 clash. And the Trojans enter off a 45-31 win over Michigan State, while the Illini are looking to recover from a humbling loss at Indiana. But back on their home turf, Illinois is eager to turn things around and secure a much-needed victory. Here, HC Bielema didn’t hide his thoughts on Illinois ahead of his team’s matchup.

The 55-year-old said, “The first thing we have to do is address what we did as coaches. I thought we had a good football team (before last week) and feel that same way (now). I know that we can rebound.”

Despite Illinois’ struggles, Lincoln Riley’s Trojans must be sharp on the road, especially given USC’s recent challenges away from home. As of now, respect and focus will be key if the Trojans want to continue their winning streak.