... season, expectations couldn't be higher. Head coach Ron Zook has spent the past four seasons trying to build the Illini into a Big Ten powerhouse, and coming into his fifth season, that sweat and effort needs to come to fruition.

Zook has long been known as a great recruiter, and a player's coach. Where his reputation has been left wanting is as an X's and O's coach.

Zook had the unfortunate assignment of following the most revered Florida Gators coach in school history in Steve Spurrier, and certainly trying to live up to Spurrier's reputation played a part in Zook's stay being short. His inability to post a record better than 8-5 played a larger factor.

Zook was fired before the end of his third season despite bringing in ta...

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