Preview & Picks: No. 9 Illinois at No. 19 Indiana

CHAMPAIGN — Bret Bielema and Curt Cignetti never really knew each other until Cignetti took the Indiana job last season. But the two clearly have a lot of respect for each other as long-time head coaches who have awakened long-slumbering Big Ten programs.

"Really enjoyed the last year and a half with him in the coaches meetings," said Bielema, the Illinois head coach.

Added Cignetti of Bielema: "He was very welcoming. Always had a lot of respect for him as a coach."

On Saturday, Bielema and Cignetti will square off in what is likely the most significant Illinois vs. Indiana football game in the 75-year history of the Big Ten rivalry. That No. 9 Illinois and No. 19 Indiana are playing a meaningful matchup is quite a reflection of the jobs Bielema and Cignetti have done at the long-struggling programs.

In his first year leading the Hoosiers last season, Cignetti led Indiana to its best season ever, going 11-2 and surprisingly making the College Football Playoff. For context, Indiana hadn't won 9+ games in a season since 1967 and had finished a season ranked just once since 1989.

Meanwhile, Bielema has led Illinois to two 8+ win seasons during the last three years, including the program's fifth 10-win season last year. For context, Illinois has had just four winning Big Ten seasons during the last 31 years, and Bielema owns two of them.

Both Bielema and Cignetti see similarities in how the two programs play sound, smart football, and Bielema said Illinois seems to compete with Indiana for as many prospects as any program, suggesting they like the same traits in players.

"This football team offensively, defensively and special teams are as well coached as anybody we'll see," Bielema said of Indiana. "They definitely have complementary football written all over them, just the way they play, the way they talk, the way they communicate. A very, very impressive group to watch overall. …There's very few plays that you can tell there's a mental breakdown. We always say more games are lost than won in our program (with) penalties, mental errors and turnovers. They just don't do those things."

Added Cignetti: "Coach Bielema does a great job, him and his staff in all three phases: offense, defense, special teams. …He's done a great job at Illinois and they're fundamental and you can see the coaching show up on tape."

Now, the Hoosiers (3-0) and Illinois (3-0) meet for a Big Ten opener on Saturday (6:30 p.m. CT, NBC) that many see as an early College Football Playoff play-in game. The winner will continue to rise in the rankings and continue to establish its long-struggling program as a legitimate factor near the top of the Big Ten.

These two teams share a lot in common. While Illinois returns 75% of its production from last season, according to ESPN's Bill Connelly, Indiana isn't far behind with 62.5% of returning production. Mendoza is an NFL prospect at quarterback, just like Illini signal caller Luke Altmyer.

Most consider these two programs to be two of the most well-coached teams in the country. Bielema and Cignetti seem to agree. On Saturday, the two biggest risers in the Big Ten during the last few seasons have a massive opportunity to plant their flag as a legitimately powerful Big Ten program.

Yes, believe it, what a big game for Illinois and Indiana football.

"We've got our work cut out for us. I'm excited to get over there. I know it will be a good environment," Bielema said. "…I think we've got a lot of really good football players who know how to play and have been excited to start Big Ten play, and we'll get that going this Saturday."

Added Cignetti: "That's the one thing about Illinois is they know what it takes [with] the success they had last year. Return a good nucleus of guys, added some new ones, very much kind of like us. Good core returning that understands what it takes. Ought to be a great matchup."

GAME INFO

Date: Saturday, Sept. 20

Venue: Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.)

Time: 6:30 p.m. CT

Broadcast: NBC — Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Kathryn Tappen (reporter)

Stream: NBC Sports;FuboTV

Radio: Illini Radio Network (List of stations here)

Kickoff forecast: 84°F, 37% humidity, 15% chance of precipitation, 5 mph wind

Line: Illinois +6 (DraftKings)

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