Judged:

1

I am a Florida resident and fan but, from Champaign Urbana. I have a soft spot for the stumbling Illini but I have not seen in my lifetime any consistancy. History shows the same for over 70 years. less than one big ten champion
pre decade and a few respectable teams. The last good coach was Mackovich who left after a short stay because he wanted to win a national championship.
Great programs have 2 things. a great coach, and great recruting. Illinois has never had a program in modern NCAA history that possesed both.
Zook can recruit no doubt but Floridan let him go and his replacement is winning. I think this last game was a very real sign that coaching is lacking in the current prigram.