On the Tuesday before the Wisconsin game, Zook opened his weekly press conference by warning the reporters not to ask questions about his job status. When reporter Shannon Ryan of the Chicago Tribune asked Zook if he had talked to his players about the rumors pertaining to his future, he walked out of the press conference. The Illini went on to lose to Wisconsin and a 27–7 loss to Minnesota.
Before the Wisconsin game on Tuesday, Coach Zook held a press conference where he asked reporters not to ask about his job status. When reporter Shannon Ryan of the Chicago Tribune inquired about his players' knowledge of the rumors surrounding his future, Zook abruptly left the conference. The Illini then lost to Wisconsin and Minnesota by scores of 27-7.