UConn football opponent preview: Illinois

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty ImagesWhen was the last time Illinois had a winning record in football? Take a guess.

You’re probably wrong.

Ron Zook went 6-6 during the regular season in 2011, then was unceremoniously fired before the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, won by current West Virginia defensive coordinator Vic Koenning. The Illini haven’t been back above water since. Sound familiar?

That’s just one of the similarities that Illinois has with UConn football, who also haven’t had a winning season in eight years as a result of [alien howl rattles through a fathomless gorge]. The presumed starting quarterback going into spring camp, freshman MJ Rivers, has also transferred, leaving the position…