CHAMPAIGN — In mid-October of 2011, Illinois was 6-0 and ranked No. 16. Football fever was spreading. Rose Bowl talk was in the air. Coach Ron Zook was Bear Bryant, only slightly better.
But the magic evaporated with a 17-7 loss to Ohio State at Memorial Stadium, which was followed by a second loss at Purdue and then four more to end what became a disastrous regular season. Zook was fired, to be replaced by Tim Beckman — and you don’t need anyone to remind you how that incomprehensible hiring would pan out.
