Illinois' Bret Bielema takes shots at SEC, Greg Sankey wanting 'to live in 2005 forever'

Illinois coach Bret Bielema took aim at SEC commissioner Greg Sankey during Big Ten football media days, arguing the SEC is stuck in the past. Bielema said Sankey “wants to live in 2005 forever,” while acknowledging Sankey’s duty to protect the SEC. The comments came after Sankey suggested last week that SEC schools could consider a breakaway if the sport’s structure doesn’t evolve in the SEC’s preferred direction. Bielema pointed to the transfer portal and player compensation as the major shifts, noting the SEC won seven straight national titles from 2006-2012 and six of the first nine College Football Playoff crowns, while the Big Ten has won the past three.