The golden age to me is defined by a section of time that spans from 1999 through 2006. This period in Illinois history will probably never be surpassed.
During this period of time, Illinois managed to win and win a lot. They had some of the best talent in the nation at the time.
In that successful run that the Illini put together, they had three Big Ten Player of the Year winners. An Illinois player won the prestigious award three years in a five-year span.
The POY streak started with Frank Williams back in 2000-01.