In seven seasons as Illinois coach, Ron Zook went to three bowl games, including the Rose.
But did he believe it was possible to win in Champaign-Urbana? Not based on a comment he made recently. Zook said Illinois wouldn’t change even with “Nick Saban there.”
The guy currently in charge doesn’t agree.
“I can just speak for myself,” Illinois coach Tim Beckman said. “This is a blessing. It was a dream. I’ve always wanted to be a Big Ten head football coach. I’m proud to be here. And I think we’re making strides each and every year to make this program a championship culture.