Ron Zook has a lot of critics around the state of Illinois, even though he's just started his job. They acknowledge that Zook has more energy and is a better recruiter than former head coach Ron Turner, but his ability to put together a game plan, motivate players and make in-game adjustments have been questioned. If those were not issues, why was he fired at Florida.

In his first game as the Illini head coach, Zook did his best to answer some of those criticisms. Facing a Rutgers team that had put together a solid passing game, Illinois appeared ready to lose touch. The Illini couldn't get anything together on offense and the defense looked just as incompetent as it had under old coach Ron Turner.

But when Rutgers' Brian Leonard ran 83 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter to extend the lead to 27-7, the fuse had been lit for the previously sleepy Illini. Zook saw his team mount a significant comeback that ultimately resulted in a 33-30 overtime victory.

After two Jason Reda field goals, QB Tim Brasic hit Kendrick Jones with a 6-yard TD pass to draw the Illini within seven points. After stopping the Scarlet Knights on their next possession, Brasic hit RB E.B. Halsey with a 13-yard TD pass at the 1:13 mark to tie the game.

Reda had a chance to win the game with a 42-yard field goal with 0:03 remaining, but the kick was wide right. However, the extra session belonged to Illinois. After holding Rutgers to a field goal, Brasic connected with Halsey on a 20-yard connection and then Pierre Thomas scored the winning touchdown on a two-yard run.

Credit Zook with providing the inspiration for the comeback. He refused to let his players believe the game was over when the team trailed by 20 points. "There we are, down 27-7, and you know that are fans are up there starting to smack their foreheads," said LB J Leman. "But our coach is telling us to keep believing. I told myself that this guy really does believe in us, so I started believing too."

There should be some carryover effect to the comeback win. If Illinois can beat San Jose State at home this week, it will make for a very promising start to the Zook era.

GAME BALL GOES TO: QB Tim Brasic -- There was undoubtedly some key mistakes made and some nervousness in the opening game start, but Brasic was cool under pressure when the Illini began a comeback from a 27-7 deficit. Brasic completed 24-of-34 passes for 233 yards with 3 TD passes and 2 interceptions. He also ran for 77 yards and his scrambling allowed the Illini to keep drives alive throughout the second half.

KEEP AN EYE ON: RB E.B. Halsey -- He demonstrated his versatility with his success as a pass receiver. Halsey caught seven passes for 60 yards, including the game-tying 13-yard TD pass with 1:13 to go. He also ran 16 times for 50 yards.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Obviously, we've got a long, long way to go. But on the same token, we did do something that was, in my opinion, a major hurdle for us to have a successful program." -- Head coach Ron Zook following his team's 33-30 overtime victory over Rutgers in his first game as head coach.

LOOKING GOOD: The most impressive part of the come-from-behind 33-30 overtime win was the ability of the Illini to keep their heads up when they were 20 points behind. Illinois head coach Ron Zook refused to allow his team to stop believing even though the team was playing mistake-prone football. His confidence inspired the comeback.

--RB Pierre Thomas -- He looks like he has a chance to be a go-to running back because of his speed and breakaway ability. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry against Rutgers and can shake free for long runs because of his speed and surprising quickness.

QB Tim Brasic -- His numbers were impressive -- 24-of-34 for 344 yards with 3 TD passes -- but it was his leadership ability that came through in this game. He has established himself as the starting quarterback with a memorable performance in the opener.

STILL NEEDS SOME WORK: The Illini started the game as if they were still stuck in the Ron Turner era. Not only did they turn the ball over three times, they weren't getting much of an effort after kickoff. It took a rousing halftime speech by Ron Zook to wake up his team. They have to be better prepared the rest of the year.

--DT Chris Norwell is supposed to plug the middle and show that he can harass opposing quarterbacks. He finished with one tackle and one assist.

--CB Charles Bailey was credited with 9 tackles, but Rutgers RB Brian Leonard leaped over him on his 83-yard TD run in the third quarter.

ROSTER REPORT: Redshirt freshman Jody Ellis converted from safety to wide receiver during the team's training camp. He scored the first Illinois touchdown of the year on a 6-yard reception. ... Backup QB Kisan Flakes (suspension) is out indefinitely.