Written by
The Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS - Jerry Kill will finish his first season at Minnesota this weekend. On a seven-year contract, the coach's rebuilding work has just begun with the struggling Gophers.
His counterpart, Ron Zook, might have reached the end at Illinois.
Zook took the Illini to the Rose Bowl a mere four seasons ago, but after starting 6-0 this year they've lost five straight games and put their coach's job in jeopardy.
The Gophers host Illinois on Saturday afternoon at TCF Bank Stadium. The Illini have been bowl eligible since Oct. 8, but there could be 10 teams from the Big Ten with six or more wins and only eight guaranteed spots in the postseason. Minnesota will try to be the spoiler and keep them out.
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