A program that won eight games the previous four seasons combined – and went 4-19 his first two years – wasn’t about to tear up the blueprint and start from scratch. Zook, 53, believed in what he was doing and that belief paid off as Illinois finished 9-4, including an impressive victory at Ohio State. Going from two wins in 2006 to nine this past season gave Illinois the best turnaround season among Football Bowl Subdivision teams. “I’m really honored to be named the Schutt Sports Coach of the Year,” Zook said a few days before his Fighting Illini took on USC in the Rose Bowl. “This is really a family affair here and everybody had their part in our success and I was glad to be a part of it.” Back in the Spotlight While the Rose Bowl didn’t turn out to be paradise for Illinois, the first trip to Pasadena in 24 years was a fun ride and helped put the Illini on the
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